Public libraries face a conundrum today as much of our nation grapples with economic hard times. Those hard times extend to the public sector as well with increased pressures to hold down spending as revenues dry up and operating costs increase. The irony for us is that public library use goes up, way up, every time the economy takes a downward turn. (Albany NY Times Union, March 27, 2008.) Studies conducted by universities, media and the American Library Association show that just when the resources that support the library are tightest, the demand for them is highest. (New York Times, August 1, 2008; ALA and University of Illinois, April 18, 2002)
Why? Families also are seeking ways to reduce their spending in the face of increased costs. The public library fills their budget gap. Why pay for books, music, movies, games and entertainment programs when they are available at the library for free? Eliminate that monthly broadband internet bill. The PC and internet access are available at the library (we just increased our available bandwidth) at no charge.
Libraries also get busier in times like these due to an increasing number of folks visiting the library because they have lost their jobs. Savvy workers know that the public library is your one-stop shopping spot when unemployed. At the library we can assist you with preparing a resume, applying for jobs online, locating education and training opportunities, changing careers or starting your own business. The price is right for those on reduced incomes. It is free.
This year, the Irondequoit Public Library is an excellent example of this economic effect. Our numbers, which were flat for a while, have risen dramatically. This summer, we have had the highest numbers of items borrowed and the highest number of visitors in the library’s history. PC use is up. Participation in the Summer Reading program and all other library activities is up significantly. Regular visitors have remarked upon this phenomenon as the upsurge in customers is quite noticeable. Fewer parking spaces, longer waits for PCs, more people everywhere and the resulting increase in clamor and hubbub have all been remarked upon by our regulars.
Stop in and see for yourself. We’ll save you some money too!
August 21, 2008 at 6:54 pm |
August 21, 2008
blog subjest: Public Libraries and the Economy
Normally, I would dismis this month’s blog as irrelevant to the average library patron.
But , it does shed light on one aspect you may not have considered, that is, the toll on library employees.
With the influx of more people visiting McGraw and Evans, the librarians and general staff are being stressed to accomodate the heavier workload. More library visitors using the same number of resources, occupying an already cramped space equates to a more stressful work environment.
I can visibly see the amount of work increasing. The turnover of books, dvds and videos must be astronomical as well as the number of incoming telephone calls and questions directed to the information librarians.
You have statistical reports showing an increase demand for library services but who is monitoring the well-being of the staff?
Bookrunner22
September 26, 2008 at 4:17 pm |
How strange. Back in January Bookrunner22 comments that we should be open 24 hours a day without adding any staff. Just give them vitamins he says. Ha ha. Now in September he is worried that the staff is overworked and nobody is looking out for their well-being. With some folks we just can’t win. Although I think it is fun when we have a series of comments that get a conversation going sometimes it is obvious some folks are just full of hot air. Sorry buddy, your concern just doesn’t ring true.
September 29, 2008 at 1:00 pm |
September 29, 2008
To be accurate, on the Jan ‘08 blog, I had referred to only the “C” shift staff receiving the vitamins.
Concerning your recent reply: Why should you object if I have a change of mind; change of heart? After-all, I’m not running for political office!
Consequently, your reply should not have detracted from the serious content of my message.
Bookrunner22
ps. Stop plagiarizing my words. Use a thesaurus if you have difficulty finding the right. Sorry, but your grade for the month is D-.