During a team planning meeting the participants were encouraged to think outside the box and dream about the perfect library scenario, money being no object. The what if scenario was if Georiga was named to have the best libraries in the world. What would make us number 1?
Without funding issues many great ideas came forth including public libraries being the first place people turn to for community information and events in the area. Libraries would have a kiosk or community in action section to promote how the library is collaborating and partnering with area civic groups, community organizations, local theater and arts groups etc. I am reminded of this exercise as I continue my graduate studies. In Public Library Administration we have discussed many articles pertaining to public libraries. Some of the recent discussions have centered around putting library information kiosks in Community Centers, Senior Citizen centers, YMCA facilities and other similar type places. The idea is to bring the library to the community. In most cases this was suggested when the library needed more branches but funding was unavailable. However this was also thought of as a means of bringing library services to patrons who might not otherwise have access. The computer terminal(s) would have all the library information and databases. Patrons could access that information as well as place holds on library books. Depending on the set up some of these terminals were staffed with library personnel at specified times during the week. They would assist people with database access or placing books on hold. Selections of books based on reader surveys would be brought with staff for patron check out. This type of service functions similar to a book mobile. These were just some of the ideas that brought the library to the community.
