Area librarians are seeking to address the future needs of libraries - and could use residents' help in doing so.
Dialogue has begun between local and state library officials in order to develop a 10-year plan for library services in the state. According to a state library website, libraries are experiencing unprecedented use while facing an ongoing financial crisis.
"At a time when libraries provide an even wider window to the world's collected knowledge, librarians are facing layoffs; libraries are closing doors or limiting hours, and budgets for materials and online resources are being slashed," the site reports. "Libraries experience first-hand the public's hunger for information, education and learning.''
INVITING INPUT
Librarians are rising to the occasion by redefining what library service means in the digital age. The Regents Advisory Council on Libraries invited input from library and education communities to develop the new statewide plan for library services. A conference was held to begin the dialogue, and surveys were sent with questions including what roles libraries should take, what challenges they face, how library services can be extended, how community members can connect to libraries, how the survival of libraries can be ensured, how the state can help and the impact of the digital age on libraries.
While state officials work to develop a statewide plan in 2012, local librarians have already given input.
"It's a way libraries can actually look at themselves and better serve our constituencies," said Sue Seamans, Falconer Public Library librarian, about the planning process.
She said previous planning efforts resulted in the Falconer library extending hours. It was open10 hours a week but is now open 52 hours every week. Established set times of operation were also garnered in order to avoid confusion about when the facility is open.
"It's a key to our success," she said, adding the library has been ranked nationally in the top 100 for libraries serving populations of less than 5,000.
She said the planning efforts allow staff to know their direction: whether they are moving toward e-books, large print or different services.
"It's vital for us to have a great rapport with the community," she said.
That includes a relationship with other libraries so interlibrary loans are available and with schools so help with homework can be ensured. Outreach has also been deemed important, she said, adding the library sponsors band concerts, book clubs and summer reading programs for all ages. Keeping abreast of those needs, she said, helps the facility's staff remain realistic and provides a chance to work together with the community, which has in turn given the community a chance to help the library.
Another chance to do that will be during the library's book sale Aug. 11-12 at the Falconer library.
The 10-year projection for Ashville's Free Library includes assisting those interested in e-books, said Tabatha Butler, library director.
"The library does have to go with the times," she said.
Mrs. Butler said she often heard computers would mean the end of libraries, but said that did not happen as libraries adjusted to housing them. The same will hold true for other advances, if libraries are willing to accommodate change, she said. Classes on how to use e-books are being planned.
"Patrons want more to do with the digital age," said Mrs. Butler.
The library in Ashville also serves as a community center, said Mrs. Butler, who said it keeps its doors open through the use of volunteers who value its services.
HUGE DEMANDS
Catherine Way, director of the James Prendergast Library, said libraries are having to cope with change just as fast as any organization as the digital world develops. She said what complicates that is the fact that libraries are funded by government, and "huge demands" on government to lower taxes have resulted in seven state governmental funding cuts from the library.
"It's unlike any other organization," she said.
That reliance on shrinking government resources is leading the library's leaders across the state to figure out how to maintain services while dealing with such cuts. She said they have been able to do so by being creative, raising funds, streamlining operations and applying for grants.
"The public needs to be aware we're pretty fragile institutions," she said, adding residents can't assume libraries will always be there.
At Jamestown Community College, Marilyn Zagora, vice president and dean of academic affairs, said library users should expect change to reflect technology advances.
"College libraries have capitalized on the opportunities offered by digital resources to expand the materials available electronically," she said, adding online subscription databases have augmented or replaced print subscriptions, offering faster access to more material.
At JCC, she said, development of a top quality library website is a priority, making around-the-clock availability an opportunity for learning for those who live away from campus, take online courses, or are part-time. The library can also offer access to commercial services to those who may otherwise not have access. She said the key is to be sure services are well-coordinated with student and faculty needs, letting each group know what is available to them.
"The challenges and opportunities of the digital age make the services of libraries more relevant and essential than ever as we strive to create educated citizens who understand how to effectively access and use information to shape their learning, their work and their lives," she said.
The deadline for comments to the state regarding the future of libraries has been extended until Aug. 31 and is open to the public. Those interested in providing comments can visit www.cclslib.org to comment. People not having computer access at home, can comment by visiting their local library.