I'm sure anyone reading this blog right now is going "What on earth do Mangoes and languages have in common?" No, I haven't lost my mind - these are just some things that have helped me recently as we look at what we do in the Library and how we make a difference.
I have been writing a lot lately about the budget and the challenges we face, and I'm getting tired. I have been working on things to help my staff handle their jobs better and to stay focused on what they can do, and how to keep thinking about the good things and how they make a difference.
It is harder sometimes to keep oneself on track this way, so I have been trying a number of other things to keep ME focused on what we can do and the good things that libraries do all the time.
I have started following a couple of new blogs for inspiration and I have to say that both of them are great. 1000 Awesome Things is my current optimism favorite. Everyday this great blog points out yet another Awesome thing. Today it had to do with words, and how when you learn a new word you start seeing it everywhere. I love learning new words (I have actually enjoyed reading sections of the Oxford English Dictionary. I know - I am a geek and a real library geek at that!) And it is Awesome when you start seeing and hearing the new word.
On the subject of words lets talk a little about Languages. How we learn them and how libraries can help people learn languages. There is a great company that is working with libraries to provide online language learning tools - Mango Languages. I was sure that there would be no way that we could afford anything like this at our library, but our Mango Rep came out and talked to us, demoed the product and offered us a free trial. The pricing is EXTREMELY reasonable for a city the size of HB, so we are going to use the free trial to see if this is something that the community wants. We will be covering the library in "Try Mango" signs, to encourage everyone to try it and let us know if they like it.
Mango offers 36 languages, including ESL. If we get positive feedback, we will look at our budget and see how we can afford the subscription cost. If we can help people learn languages, that is pretty AWESOME.
Back to blogs and inspiration - The other blog that I've been following is the Art of Nonconformity. The founder of the blog writes about "unconventional strategies for life, work and travel". Definitely inspirational; definitely challenging; definitely different and encourages you to look at things differently. And that is important.
The Art of Nonconformity builds on a book that I've used over the years - the Art of Possibility by Ben and Rosamund Zander. The Art of Possibility is also about training yourself to think differently. Just remembering that it is ALL INVENTED can really help you reset your perspective. And that is important.
So there it is - I need to remember all the Awesome things I get to do as a Librarian, like Mango Languages and helping people learn a new language. I need to stretch and look at things differently, and revel in nonconformity.
A much better perspective, don't you think?
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Freeze-n-Read for Libraries 4-17-10 @ 4 PM
Here's a fun and cool way to show your support for all libraries - the Gulf Middle School Media Center in Cape Coral Florida is challenging EVERYONE to FREEZE and read for libraries on April 17 at 4 PM.
Here's how it works - on Saturday, April 17 at 4 PM, stop whatever you are doing and wherever you are FREEZE and read. You can do it in public or in private, and the Fabrarians at Gulf Middle School are actively encouraging classrooms to stage a Freeze-n-Read.
What a fun and cool way to celebrate National Library Week and raise awareness of libraries and their value.
So, where will you be when you FREEZE?
Here's how it works - on Saturday, April 17 at 4 PM, stop whatever you are doing and wherever you are FREEZE and read. You can do it in public or in private, and the Fabrarians at Gulf Middle School are actively encouraging classrooms to stage a Freeze-n-Read.
What a fun and cool way to celebrate National Library Week and raise awareness of libraries and their value.
So, where will you be when you FREEZE?
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Libraries and frayed lifelines
As we celebrate National Library Week, I am finding it hard not to dwell on the challenges that Libraries face. No one can deny that libraries across the country are dealing with challenging situations - the news is full of examples. The San Jose Public Library is confronting major cuts that could lead to libraries being open only 3 days a week; The Phoenix Public Library just avoided closing 15 branch locations but will be eliminating over 28 positions. Boston Public Library was talking about closing up to 25 branches before the public outcry forced a reconsideration of the budget. And the list goes on, all across the United States, even as we celebrate everything that libraries do and the contributions they make to their community and our society.
On Sunday, April 11, Art Brodsky published a long and impassioned article about libraries on the Huffington Post, about how the Public Library lifeline is fraying under the stress and strain of budget cuts and the economy. Mr. Brodsky highlights even more examples of the stress and strain on our public libraries, and he makes some very good points about the challenges that libraries face.
The American Library Association also released a report on the State of American Libraries, and the news isn't surprising: Libraries are more popular than ever, helping job seekers, career changers, students of all ages, families, seniors, etc. We honestly could be open every day, all day and people would be here using our services. We are the community lifeline for so many services, especially when times are tough.
While demand is high, libraries all over are dealing with budget cuts and hours reductions because of the economy. We have had to reduce hours here in Huntington Beach and we are being stretched thin in terms of resources. Without the support of the Friends and the Children's Friends, we would definitely have fewer books, fewer DVDs, fewer CDs, and less of ALL things that make up a library.
So this week, my challenge is to stay focused on what we can do and all the wonderful things that the Huntington Beach Library does already.
We really do a lot - there is always something going on and I was looking over our Calendar and there are story times, meetings, programs, homework clubs, etc. Something great is happening every day.
Our staff make all of this happen - they help people find what they need, get on the computer, keep the computers functioning, check out things, tell stories, help with homework, and come up with new and creative ways to make a difference in people's lives.
If you look at our budget, we really are a great deal. We have about 200,000 people in Huntington Beach. Our budget, before the last round of budget reductions was about $4.65 million. That works out to just about $23 per person, per year. For $23 per year, less than the cost of one hardcover book, you get access to all our books, services and resources. I'd say that is an amazing bargain.
Libraries are important. Libraries make a difference. Librarians and Library staff are amazing.
Happy National Library Week!
On Sunday, April 11, Art Brodsky published a long and impassioned article about libraries on the Huffington Post, about how the Public Library lifeline is fraying under the stress and strain of budget cuts and the economy. Mr. Brodsky highlights even more examples of the stress and strain on our public libraries, and he makes some very good points about the challenges that libraries face.
The American Library Association also released a report on the State of American Libraries, and the news isn't surprising: Libraries are more popular than ever, helping job seekers, career changers, students of all ages, families, seniors, etc. We honestly could be open every day, all day and people would be here using our services. We are the community lifeline for so many services, especially when times are tough.
While demand is high, libraries all over are dealing with budget cuts and hours reductions because of the economy. We have had to reduce hours here in Huntington Beach and we are being stretched thin in terms of resources. Without the support of the Friends and the Children's Friends, we would definitely have fewer books, fewer DVDs, fewer CDs, and less of ALL things that make up a library.
So this week, my challenge is to stay focused on what we can do and all the wonderful things that the Huntington Beach Library does already.
We really do a lot - there is always something going on and I was looking over our Calendar and there are story times, meetings, programs, homework clubs, etc. Something great is happening every day.
Our staff make all of this happen - they help people find what they need, get on the computer, keep the computers functioning, check out things, tell stories, help with homework, and come up with new and creative ways to make a difference in people's lives.
If you look at our budget, we really are a great deal. We have about 200,000 people in Huntington Beach. Our budget, before the last round of budget reductions was about $4.65 million. That works out to just about $23 per person, per year. For $23 per year, less than the cost of one hardcover book, you get access to all our books, services and resources. I'd say that is an amazing bargain.
Libraries are important. Libraries make a difference. Librarians and Library staff are amazing.
Happy National Library Week!
Monday, April 12, 2010
National Library Week, April 11 - 17
This week is National Library Week, a time to celebrate libraries and the many services we provide.
Libraries are increasingly essential in today's world - we provide access to the Internet, we have information and resources for job seekers and career changers, we support families and provide all kinds of enrichment programming for children to help ensure their success in school. We have amazing staff members who are all here to help you.
If you haven't come into your library recently, I urge you to do so. You will be surprised and amazed at all the wonderful things you can find here.
Libraries across the country will be showcasing programs, training, resources and all kinds of activities and services this week.
We look forward to seeing you here and joining in with the celebration of Libraries, literacy and learning!
Libraries are increasingly essential in today's world - we provide access to the Internet, we have information and resources for job seekers and career changers, we support families and provide all kinds of enrichment programming for children to help ensure their success in school. We have amazing staff members who are all here to help you.
If you haven't come into your library recently, I urge you to do so. You will be surprised and amazed at all the wonderful things you can find here.
Libraries across the country will be showcasing programs, training, resources and all kinds of activities and services this week.
We look forward to seeing you here and joining in with the celebration of Libraries, literacy and learning!
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Libraries and the Internet, take 2
On March 25, the Institute of Museum and Library Services, with support from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, released a new report on Internet use in public libraries.
The report, Opportunity for All: How the American Public Benefits from Internet Access at U.S. Public Libraries, looked at who is using public computers and how they are using them in public libraries. The study found that some 77 million or about 1/3 of all Americans use the public library to access the Internet.
This mirrors our experience here at the Huntington Beach Public Library - the demand for our public computers continues to grow and is only limited by the number of computers that we have available. At peak times, all of our public computers along with 65 - 85 WiFi connections will be in use at the Library.
As society becomes more and more reliant on electronic information, services and resources, the Library is more and more essential. Your library is an anchor institution in the community, connecting people to information, services and resources that they need in their daily lives.
We will continue to work hard to maintain these essential services.
The report, Opportunity for All: How the American Public Benefits from Internet Access at U.S. Public Libraries, looked at who is using public computers and how they are using them in public libraries. The study found that some 77 million or about 1/3 of all Americans use the public library to access the Internet.
This mirrors our experience here at the Huntington Beach Public Library - the demand for our public computers continues to grow and is only limited by the number of computers that we have available. At peak times, all of our public computers along with 65 - 85 WiFi connections will be in use at the Library.
As society becomes more and more reliant on electronic information, services and resources, the Library is more and more essential. Your library is an anchor institution in the community, connecting people to information, services and resources that they need in their daily lives.
We will continue to work hard to maintain these essential services.
Monday, March 22, 2010
Public Libraries across the country
This past week, as we were dealing with pending reductions in our hours and looking at our overall budget situation, I received an invitation from a colleague in New Jersey to join SAVE NJ Libraries on Facebook. Both state and local tax support for library services is in jeopardy.
Just about a week before that I received an invitation to join a group to SAVE the Los Angeles Public Library - L.A.'s enormous budget shortfall looks like it will result in severe cuts to the Public Library system.
I have also joined a group to support the San Rafael Library in their efforts to pass a parcel tax to support library services.
When the economy takes a downturn, libraries see an increase in use. We are seeing big increases right now. With a downturn, we also see a decrease in our budgets. And this time the decreases are significant. And it is happening EVERYWHERE.
I'm trying to keep us focused on what we CAN do for our residents and library users. We will work hard to meet the needs in our community even in these difficult times.
Just about a week before that I received an invitation to join a group to SAVE the Los Angeles Public Library - L.A.'s enormous budget shortfall looks like it will result in severe cuts to the Public Library system.
I have also joined a group to support the San Rafael Library in their efforts to pass a parcel tax to support library services.
When the economy takes a downturn, libraries see an increase in use. We are seeing big increases right now. With a downturn, we also see a decrease in our budgets. And this time the decreases are significant. And it is happening EVERYWHERE.
I'm trying to keep us focused on what we CAN do for our residents and library users. We will work hard to meet the needs in our community even in these difficult times.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Libraries and access to the Internet
Here's a good question - Is access to the Internet a fundamental right?
Public Libraries have been grappling with this question ever since our first public access computers were connected out to Internet in the 1990s. Libraries are often the only place in a community where you can get free public internet access.
Here in HB, we have made an organizational commitment to providing online access. We have over 60 public computers with high speed connections that allow you to go online and do what you need to do. We have WiFi access, so if you have a laptop, you can login and have access to all the online resources and tools that you need. We have been working on a strategic plan for the library, and our community focus groups identified public internet access as one of the most important things that we do.
Recently, the BBC conducted a Global poll on Internet accesss. In the poll, they asked individuals if they thought Internet access was a "fundamental right".
The results: 4 in 5 people do see Internet access as a fundamental right.
If Internet access is a fundamental right, how do we protect this right and provide access?
This is the challenge - the European union has come out with a strong internet freedom provision, that states that any measures taken that could limit access to the net "must respect the indivdual rights and freedom of citizens."
In most areas, the only source of free internet access is the public library. With recent budget cuts, how do we maintain access for our community? How can we support and protect the rights of our citizens?
So, the question is - Is Internet access a fundamental right in our modern world?
I'd love to hear what you think.
Public Libraries have been grappling with this question ever since our first public access computers were connected out to Internet in the 1990s. Libraries are often the only place in a community where you can get free public internet access.
Here in HB, we have made an organizational commitment to providing online access. We have over 60 public computers with high speed connections that allow you to go online and do what you need to do. We have WiFi access, so if you have a laptop, you can login and have access to all the online resources and tools that you need. We have been working on a strategic plan for the library, and our community focus groups identified public internet access as one of the most important things that we do.
Recently, the BBC conducted a Global poll on Internet accesss. In the poll, they asked individuals if they thought Internet access was a "fundamental right".
The results: 4 in 5 people do see Internet access as a fundamental right.
If Internet access is a fundamental right, how do we protect this right and provide access?
This is the challenge - the European union has come out with a strong internet freedom provision, that states that any measures taken that could limit access to the net "must respect the indivdual rights and freedom of citizens."
In most areas, the only source of free internet access is the public library. With recent budget cuts, how do we maintain access for our community? How can we support and protect the rights of our citizens?
So, the question is - Is Internet access a fundamental right in our modern world?
I'd love to hear what you think.
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