If asked to name the hottest topic in the library world, I’d say “professional stature”. This impression is based on the number of articles in library blogs and professional publications that try to dispel negative stereotypes or forthrightly question librarians’ professional standing. Andy Woodworth of the Burlington County Library System addressed both quite recently. In
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Community service and library advocacy in Darien, CT
Big shout out to Darien Public Library for its program to host websites for community NPOs. The Library currently hosts approximately 50 sites, many for organizations that might otherwise not have a web presence. John Blyberg, Assistant Director of Innovation & User Experience, supports a range of applications on the Library’s in-house server. Some organizations
On measuring nonprofit value
The Scholarly Kitchen has served up an interesting article for libraries this morning. In, Tackling the Data-Driven Funding Challenge — a New Skill for Nonprofit Managers, Alix Vance reviews initiatives to address one of the key challenges for libraries and other nonprofit organizations: When it comes to fundraising and donors, it’s no longer enough for
Inching toward a National Public Library Corporation
At the Reference Renaissance 2010 conference in Denver earlier this month, I was encouraged to learn of various statewide and regional collaborations to foster more efficient operations and delivery of better library services. Conversations about these alliances arose throughout the conference and I would continually ask “why stop here, why not extend this across the
Libraries nurture citizens, not consumers
There are things in this country that the market will not provide: public education, public art, public schools, public broadcasting, public toilets. I mean, there are things that are not profitable, but that still serve a value. And I think the most important thing that we can do is to continue to treat Americans as
Could this be @ your library?
If I worked for the National Public Library Corporation, I’d include moving visuals like the ones below in my architecture collection. In addition to reference materials, the collection would include resources for library programs that drive community participation, education and enjoyment such as: physical and online references for in-house exhibits project outlines for researching &
Waking up to The American Dream Toolkit
The ALA has begun promoting its American Dream Toolkit and each reference chafes my sensibilities. These days, the notion of an “American Dream” bumps up against some pretty harsh realities: 1 in 4 children on foodstamps, devastating unemployment, millions of homes foreclosed, millions of people without access to adequate healthcare and public education. With so
Another rich opportunity for participatory librarianship
The world is not changed by those who stand ready. The world is changed by those who act, who shape, who reach — not when asked but when necessary. R. David Lankes, ILEAD U Keynote, February 2010 Last week I promoted a public library initiative of extraordinary consequence: librarians taking the lead to engage the
Are public libraries glorified babysitting services?
“My town officials think all we’re running here is a babysitting service” a librarian recently shared in a moment of frustration. She went on to mention studies about the proven impact on cognitive abilities when toddlers are actively engaged in library programs like Lapsit versus passively engaged with toys & videos. This was news to
The high cost of library micro-grants
Early in my career I was taught how to wring cost from a process or product. Instructors had me trace every interaction & transaction involved in procuring a product or service, assign a cost to each and assess its value to the deliverable. What I learned was, essentially the deliverable holds value and everything else
