chrisbrogan.com - Latest Comments in The Library of Today

Re: The Library of Today

flash drive — Sat, 12 Jun 2010 00:43:23 -0000

I hardly ever books I want our libraries. Current books often have a waiting list several months. Old books for interlibrary loan woks well for the books I usually can get 2 to 3 weeks. A drive is a branch trough. It's fabulous. This is a quick and efficient, for disabled lifesaver. Now if only the cost of shipping NetFlicks library can be like. Set your reading list online. Makes his book. You read it and send it back and makes his next book.

Re: The Library of Today

masters thesis — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 08:03:13 -0000

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Re: The Library of Today

Sikiş izle — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 20:54:35 -0000

thanks

Re: The Library of Today

marryroy01 — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 02:17:02 -0000

Libraries are constantly evolving and new services are being created. As many government offices are closing, most government services are migrating online - this is called "e-gov". This has created an unfunded mandate for libraries to provide computers and help for people to file unemployment claims, social security, food stamps, Medicare, etc.I want to know more such suggestions.

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Re: The Library of Today

dedicatedserver87 — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 02:08:44 -0000

Waiting for another phenomenal post… It’d be nice to see some content worth reading (your blog is awesome!) since most of them are getting crappy these days.

Re: The Library of Today

Geoff D. — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 19:26:01 -0000

I'm a big fan of the library. Vancouver Public Library has a great online system. I search for my book, request it, then get an email notification that it's ready for pick up. I use the library now more than ever before.

Plus, there are some movies that are difficult to find a certain movie rental places. (not mine, Happy Bats Cinema has EVERYTHING).

A good example was recently looking for the movie Barbarians at the Gate. I think it was one of HBO's first original movies and it's a classic. It stars James Garner as F Ross Johnson, CEO of RJR Nabisco who kicks off a battle for the company that would become (at the time) the largest LBO in history.

True Story: I went to Happy Bats to rent the movie, but it was out. I went to a couple other places and they didn't carry it. I went home, searched it at the library and bob's your uncle; problem solved.

Thanks

Re: The Library of Today

Lisa — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 15:53:55 -0000

Most tiny towns have an even smaller tax base, so without additional fund raising activities, it may be hard to decently support even a small sized library.

Perhaps you could found a group that uses your social marketing skills to drive a fund raiser, or help them develop some alternative revenue streams.

Re: The Library of Today

Lisa Blue — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 10:20:24 -0000

Hi Lisa, I'm a librarian at Winter Park Public Library. Thank you so much for your kind comments. Did you know that we have an e-library of over 40,000 e-books,including real estate materials, and are adding more all the time? Next time you're in the library, stop by the reference desk, and we'll set you up with a free netlibrary account.

Re: The Library of Today

Marjorie F — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 01:17:45 -0000

That's true only if they do more than pick up the latest release. Let's hope you are right. There is nothing more life-changing than to come upon a great book you didn't even know you needed to read. I hope we are not making it less possible for future generations to have that experience. The world gets very small very quickly when you always do what you've always done.

Re: The Library of Today

Michael Porter — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 19:14:31 -0000

What I want to see, and having been trying to learn about, uncover and nurture, are relationships between libraries and savvy organizations...particularly those that are primarily online orgs that deal with electronic content, marketing and community.

If anybody reading this falls into that category , or has insights they want to share about any of this discussions here related to libraries, I would absolutely love to talk with you!

Re: The Library of Today

Michael Porter — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 19:11:01 -0000

A nice point Ro...I mean, webgodess. ;) As do a few other folks, I try to work marketing into my presentations and articles as much as possible. I do think that it is a core competency that almost all librarians should posses. And most of us just don't. It is a difficult shift for many of us in "Libraryland" to think like that, but very necessary imo.

When I talk or write about marketing to library audiences I always say things like: "What we do provides SO MUCH economic and social benefit to our communities (I prove that with stats and numbers before I get to the punch lines), so why are we generally AWFUL at telling people how wonderful we are?? Sure, we are a generally a very modest profession, but we are doing everyone a disservice, and ultimately getting less funding and support for the amazing things we do everyday if we DON'T do a better job of marketing."

I realize it is a complete area of study, but some basic marketing skills and practices go a long way, both from the staff and the community in support of libraries.

And for anyone who thinks "marketing" smacks of something unpleasant, sometimes dishonest or distasteful, I would remind them that if you are marketing such a powerful and positive force for good in your local community that you are frankly obligated to strike your bias against marketing from your perceptions. Libraries have a duty to do a better job of marketing.

Again, this is just my take on the isue though. ;)

Re: The Library of Today

@stetsonclowes — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 14:32:00 -0000

I understand what you are saying but I would not worry. DVD's drive foot traffic -- a good thing as new patrons make the library a part of their routine and are exposed to the many other good things the library has to offer

Re: The Library of Today

Greg Pincus — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 11:38:54 -0000

The changes to libraries creep down to the school level, too - librarian jobs have disappeared from that sector mighty fast, and new schools can open without even having a library. Up your way, Chris, there's a prep school that has changed their library so that it doesn't even have books: http://www.boston.com/news/...

I hope that libraries continue to be (or return to being) community centers. Certainly, if they can offer free online access, they can help with the digital divide issues - enough reason for us all to work to make sure they get funding.

Re: The Library of Today

Nathan Hangen — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 11:26:23 -0000

I honestly couldn't name the last time I was in a library...I remember being there on a weekly basis as a child. Shame that the books get pushed out of the way.

Re: The Library of Today

chanceblack — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 10:57:32 -0000

I find that our libraries seldom have the books I want. Current books often have a several month waiting list. For older books interlibrary loan woks well I can usually get books in 2 to 3 weeks. One branch has a drive trough. This is fantastic. It is a quick and efficient, a lifesaver for the disabled. Now if only for the cost of shipping the library could be like NetFlicks. Set your reading list online. Your book arrives. You read it and send it back and your next book arrives.

Re: The Library of Today

chanceblack — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 10:56:25 -0000

Re: The Library of Today

Isabelle Fetherston — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 10:19:09 -0000

"Libraries = Content+Community"
Libraries should offer "content and community" both in the physical world as a community center and online. Both aspects are important. For example, you can't reach people online, if they don't have a computer or don't know how to use a computer. My library system provides free beginner computer classes and public computers. We have many programs for children and teens - from gaming to art competitions at our branches, which give teens a place to go and builds community. But we also have very extensive online information and activities for teens - including a "Battle of the Bands" online competition with teens voting for their favorite bands on our Myspace page. As far as social networking,, we have an online catalog where people can tag books and give their own reviews of books. W e also have 19 blogs (including 2 in Spanish) - covering topics from Senior Services to Reader's Advisory.
"How should they evolve?"
Libraries are constantly evolving and new services are being created. As many government offices are closing, most government services are migrating online - this is called "e-gov". This has created an unfunded mandate for libraries to provide computers and help for people to file unemployment claims, social security, food stamps, Medicare, etc. Our library system is creating partnerships with government agencies and nonprofit organizations so that we can provide more extensive help to people who need to access and utilize e-gov websites.

Re: The Library of Today

Nathan R — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 08:25:46 -0000

My favorite library is newer (10 yrs old?) but not overrun by technology.

Whenever I get the chance, I wander the library looking for something that piques my interest. Some of the best books have been found when looking for a specific title, then wandering an isle or 2 either way.

The library is my favorite place, there's nothing better than finding a book you're excited to read. I hope the books continue to hold a place of prominence (but I dig the Wi-Fi too). I spend my days in front of a computer as an internet app developer, I suspect that's why I prefer reading a 'real' book.

When the kids are with, we use the computers (games) and look at available dvd's, as well as check out books. There's something for everyone..

Re: The Library of Today

webgoddess — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 07:54:27 -0000

As yet another person who speaks to library conferences and writes library-focused articles and books on the future of libraries and technology, I'd like to comment on the marketing of libraries. Chris mentioned in a comment up-thread that nobody knows or cares what his library does and this is probably true. Libraries don't have the kind of money necessary to hire people who are "marketers". Much of what I write and present about has to do with using Web 2.0 tools to do a lot of the library's marketing for free, but that is because there is no money or staff available to do traditional marketing. This is where you all (Chris, his readers, anybody...) come in - people who love their libraries and make use of them can be a library's best marketing weapon. If you all sent a letter to the editor of your local paper, or told just a few people about how great your library is, you would be doing an AMAZING thing for your local libraries - and helping to keep them open and available for you! IF you are *really* into your local library, check the library's Friends group or Foundation - they are ways you can directly contribute to the health of your library. There are a million other ways you can help - some are free (word of mouth marketing, for example), some with your checkbook.
Thanks for posting this, Chris, and getting the conversation started - I have to say that reading through the comments of all these people who love their libraries has been heartening!!

Re: The Library of Today

Jackie Perez — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 04:06:40 -0000

Not all librarys are "blockbusters" Although mine does have a nice collection of videos haha I trully enjoy visiting my local library. I supposse it depends in the area we all live in, but my local library is full of life, diversity and movement on any given day of the week. You can find 2 year olds to 80 year olds enjoying a book, magazine or taking part of an activity. I feel like my library really does a good job in incorporating the community that it serves. There is something for everyone! Teens can take part of the reader's rockband competition or get tutoring, adults can take different workshops, and children can play and learn in the awesome children's section of the library. I personally, LOVE their magazine collection. They carry all the magazines I love (WIRED, FastCompany, PC Mag etc) but they also have dozens of really niche obscure magazines that are fun to pick up once in a while and learn something new.

Ofcourse it would be cool to have bird guides fly onto our iPhones, but I would prefer taking a visit to my local library to feel part of my community and get recomendations from real people. Like I said, I guess it just depends where you live.

Re: The Library of Today

fabulousphotogifts — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 03:08:21 -0000

Hi Chris

That all sounds fine - can't wait.

In the meantime, Our local council library have been trying to encourage youngsters to read more by running various schemes throughout the recent school summer holidays.

They had a 'challenge' whereby a child had to read so many books - they got a stamp each time they went back for a new one and if they made the target, they got a pack including a certificate, bookmark, pen and medal etc.

My two kids did it (through their Mum enrolling them) and really enjoyed it. I was surprised to learn that at the end, the library had run out of award packs and had to order some more, so there was plenty of interest.

They've also teamed up with the local secondary school with certain history and geography projects. Students have to go in, request a pack and can sit and write their coursework / investigate topics from the material.

This saves the school having to buy all the resources and teaches the kids to use their own investigative skills to complete their coursework.

What does this kind of 'thinking outside the box' teach us about how we should be approaching our own businesses with regards using activities, not normally associated with us, to draw in regular users / customers?

Jonathan.

Re: The Library of Today

Suzanne Vara — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 02:36:09 -0000

Chris

While it is encouraging to see that DVD are being check out for the family to watch we hope together, it is sad to think that they have become more popular with books. Some of the greatest times I have is reading with my son (4) and watching his reactions to the books. Maybe it is the way I read the story all animated and bring out the characters in the book but library day for us is something he looks forward to. We have many books here at home but the books we get from the library and read every night for a week is what we look forward to.

I am fortunate as the library down the street still has large sections dedicated to books. I applaud them on creating areas for internet access for those who do not have and meeting rooms. Vegas is big so that would warrant a bigger library and many libraries as opposed to where I grew up in NJ or where you are.

Reading is the building block for a large vocabulary. TV or DVD are great esp as a single parent to plop son in front of it while I do things around the house but nothing beats the quiet time of the tv off and the books in hand. Again maybe my reading style is what makes it fun.

Suzanne

Re: The Library of Today

Steve Evans — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 02:31:41 -0000

Chris,

Good for you for dropping your book into a library! I wish more authors would do that. Libraries today don't seem to carry much in the way of thought leadership (at least not in the UK). Would be great if more authors thought so openly about their books distribution. Nice work!

Re: The Library of Today

Tony — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 01:24:11 -0000

I'm a little late, as there have been some wonderful answers to this question. As a library employee (I am a full-time graphic designer for our local library, which has 3 branches, 2 bookmobiles, a Genealogy building, and a website that acts as a 24/7 branch), I am intrigued by the blog post, the questions posed, and the comments.

Community is the center of the library. There is no disputing that. If you don't believe that, go talk to the people that run your library. Find out what goes on behind the scenes. Any library who operates on their own agenda and snubs public needs & comments will not last. With that said, libraries have been dished a particularly interesting challenge. While they've always been somewhat of a community center, they have also always been primarily about printed books. Like everything else in this world, when personal computers started multiplying and internet access became a need and not a luxury, the game changed. Movies are online. An entire library of books can be carried on your hip, along with a CD collection that would put your local library to shame. Admittedly, Google can sometimes be a quicker reference than even asking your local librarians - so, really, where do libraries go from here?

"Forward thinking" is a good answer, but a phrase that is hollow if you don't explain it with examples. For a conservative midwest town, it's been so fun to witness the rise of Information Techonology and the adaptive/evolving mindsets of co-workers and leaders. Our library has an IT manager, a Network Administrator (with an assistant), a computer lab staff at every location, a marketing director, a web developer and a graphic designer (me). We are on Twitter, Facebook and advertise that in all forms. But, I'm digressing. What is forward thinking? Aside from books, the library has always been a place where community events take place. Educational and entertaining events. The important thing is to adapt these events to the needs of the patrons and the future of the library, the town/city it's in, and the individuals involved.

We offer classes on eBay and Craigs List. We teach Microsoft Office classes every single Saturday. We have Wii racing events between our locations. We have off-site pet shows that work with local vets, pet stores, humane societies and rescues. We still hold book discussions but take it a step further and just had the author of the book "attend" via Skype. Most importantly, all of this is FREE. It's tax dollars at work.

I feel like I'm either rambling or lost in a circle of self-promotion for our library, so I'll try to move on and end this with a concise summary.

Before I worked at the library, I had no idea how many meetings went into planning things for the public. I had no idea that patrons' concerns were actually listened to. In fact, at our last staff meeting, we went over a single patron's complaint to see if it was valid and, if so, how to fix it. I also had no idea how much research must go into evolving past the stigma of just being a building of books and becoming a TRUE community center. None of this can happen, though, if the employees aren't dedicated and open to the change. I know there's a divide at times between what the younger, techy employees think should happen and what the people who have been with the library for 30 years think. The fact that there is a difference of opinion isn't alarming unless there's no willingness to openly debate and find the necessary compromises.

Lastly, I think that libraries need to move into the business of advertising like a business. What I mean by that is that a library can't just hand pamphlets out to its patrons and expect to see an increase in new patrons. Library events/services need to be out there in the newspaper, on the radio, on the website, on Twitter/Facebook, etc. And partnering with local businesses and individuals is a must. We have 6 outside art exhibits a year hosted in our hallways. We have display cases for local businesses/clubs to display their products, creative items, informational items, etc. We hand out coupons from local restaurants and vendors as part of our sign up prize for Summer Reading Club.

Essentially, libraries should strive to not just be a community center, but the center of the community.

Re: The Library of Today

Jamie Favreau — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 00:52:43 -0000

I don't know if my library has wi-fi but that would be nice if they did. I have gone to use the library for Internet usage but I didn't have a laptop at the time. So that would rock if they did.