Sunday, December 6, 2009

Circulation Situation

It has become apparent throughout these uncertain economic times that the library as an institution remains an important resource to members of a given community. Take for example the Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library in Kansas. In November of 2009, the library received four out of five stars in a review by The Library Journal in recognition of its excellent service to patrons during tough times. Local patrons access the library for both personal education and entertainment needs and take advantage of the free exchange of information and ideas. In a period where citizens are tightening their budgets and becoming more concerned about economic matters, libraries such as TSCPL are proving to function as helping hands. The Library Journal reported in 2009 that almost eight in ten libraries that responded to a recent survey reported increased circulation. With increased circulation and public usage of libraries, we may see a more informed public that is sympathetic to the needs of local libraries.

1 comment:

  1. Could a bad economy be good for a library? So much focus seems to be put on libraries reaching out to patrons in a virtual type way. It is interesting to think of the services a library could provide for free that a patron could use instead of paying for it. Instead of paying to see a movie what if you went to see a movie at the library? It might not be a new movie but its still getting out of the house to do something. And wouldn't it be cool if people really were reading more?

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