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Southeast Library adapts to modern times
(by Rick Palsgrove, Southeast Editor - March 03, 2010)
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| Messenger photo by Rick Palsgrove |
| Kathie Gandy (left) and her granddaughter Scarlett Wagner pick out some books at the Southeast Library. |
The information age we live in is a time of constant change and rapid innovation.
With this in mind, I wondered how the traditional home for the collection and dispensing of information - the library - is dealing with these issues. So, I contacted Jennifer Hess, branch manager for the Southeast Branch of the Columbus Metropolitan Library, for her insights.
Rick Palsgrove: How and what has the library changed in recent years to adapt to modern times and library patrons' current information needs?
Jennifer Hess: "The Columbus Metropolitan Library has been diligent about remaining relevant to our customers and their needs. It is our role to provide access to the information needs our customers have and to make sure it is available in the format our customers are requesting. So although format has changed throughout the years we are still about access.
We updated our catalog to accommodate searching on mobile devices and we recently added blogs written by our librarian experts which can be accessed through our website. We have a presence on Facebook and Twitter which allows us to interact with our customers. The library also offers service allowing customers to have their questions answered via e-mail reference and chat reference utilizing the statewide KnowItNow, which is a 24/7 service. We have also made it a priority to make sure library staff is accessible in our buildings by taking a more active approach to service and by making it a priority to build relationships with our customers."
RP: What design changes have been made to the layout of the library to adapt to these needs?
JH: "The Southeast Branch opened in 2000. Because we have one of the newer buildings in the system we have not had to make major changes to accommodate new technology. Computers have always been in the floor plan for this building. The recent changes have come in the way of creating reading spaces for families in our Children's Ready to Read area. We also added a Homework Help Center for our school-aged customers to assist with their daily homework needs and is open Monday-Thursday 4-7 p.m. This space also doubles as our Job Help Center where customers seeking jobs in this difficult economy can spend time writing resumes, filling out job applications and getting assistance from library staff and volunteers as they navigate the job market. We will be participating in the countywide Job Help Day on March 18 and will offer special programs for job seekers.
RP: Who are the changes targeted to?
JH: "The changes support services for all of our customers from the beginning reader to the adult job seeker. We are dedicated to providing a space that encourages and embraces lifelong learning."
RP: What is the role of computers and technology in the library now?
JH: "Technology in libraries is all about access. Many of our resources are now in digital format so computers are necessary. We provide resources beyond what our customers may find on Google.
We also provide computer access to customers who do not have computers or printers at home, bridging the digital divide.
All of the Columbus Metropolitan Library branches offer free Wi-Fi access to our customers."
RP: Is the traditional book still the main focus of the library?
JH: "Access to information has been the traditional role since the first public library was opened in Boston in 1848. Yes, we have books, but we have so much more to offer. Customers come to us for tax forms, FAFSA forms, computers, homework help, storytime, access to meeting rooms, a space to study, a space for students to meet tutors. We can help your child finish their homework, help you draft a resume and recommend a few good titles for your reading pleasure. We are so much more than books."
RP: What is the future of the traditional book and why is the traditional book still relevant and important?
JH: "You know this is a hot topic right now for librarians on Twitter and Facebook discussions. I am a believer that both formats, traditional print items and items packaged in ways like e-books, etc. will co-exist. Our print collections are still very relevant to our users, those who enjoy the tactile experience of reading. Our customers can currently search our catalog at www.columbuslibrary.org for both print and digital mediums by accessing Overdrive and NetLibrary which lets our customers download bestselling audio books, print books and eflicks."
RP: What is the modern role of the librarian?
JH: "The role of the modern librarian is to assist our customers as they navigate the plethora of information that is available and help them find the most accurate and reputable sources. We are there to support the changing needs of the communities that we serve. Librarians are experts in so many areas and we are lucky to have access to the resources of staff at all 20 branches and Main Library. So if I do not or cannot find what my customer needs, I can reach out to my colleagues and ensure my customer leaves with exactly what they are looking for."
RP: What things are popular with patrons these days and how do current interests compare to those of the recent past?
JH: "With the current downturn of the economy, we have had an increase in requests for GRE study guides, resume writing books, and interview how-to books. Our customers enjoy our great fiction collection and our selection of Large Print titles. Of course our DVD collections, both non-fiction and entertainment, are a big draw. Students come in daily looking for titles that are on their school AR lists. Parents and children enjoy our picture book, first chapter and chapter book collections. We really have something for everyone!"
For information about the Southeast Branch Library, visit www.columbuslibrary.org or call 645-2275.
| Comments (4) |
On March 13, 2010 Syd said:
Of course, in this, the information age, individuals who may have in the past been compelled to patronize the public library system find venturing into any CML branch to be a nonessential, if not a troubling, experience.
Hordes of rowdy, uncouth, unsupervised urban youths run amok. Vagrants, indigents and panhandlers create a public nuisance while hogging computer resources for the purpose of chatting, youtubing, video-gaming and surfing for pornography.
These examples, coupled with the library's obvious liberal slant and affirmative-action hiring practices, make it a markedly unpleasant and inconvenient experience for would-be information seekers.
All but the most arcane of information can be researched from the comfort of ones own home... and such information is not likely to be found at the general-purpose library anyways.
The sole function of the modern library is to cater to the idle-poor--those LEAST likely to respect it's facilities and reinvest in it's infrastructure.
I say no levy.
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On March 9, 2010 Veronica said:
I agree with John. The library seems to be collapsing under the weight of popular culture. The library should stand true to the noble so-called traditional values like access to information with the goal to make available resources for people to better themselves. Feeding the public entertainment like video games, Wii and PS2 and info-mercial books (Cures "they" don�t want you to know about) are degrading and an irresponsible use of public resources. The library should espouse to higher ideals of personal improvement and self-actualization. The library risks losing its status as an esteemed social institution if it changes on whim of pop-culture. And with their levy coming in a few months, I find this all very disturbing. |
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On March 8, 2010 John said:
With google and the internet I really find it a romantic notion to think that librarians are really all that necesarry. In addition, giving the public what it wants may not always be the best course of action. For example, to use a food analogy, most children would elect to eat candy, soda, and fast food if it were not for responsiable parents. Moreover, the idea that video games will promote reading is naive and disingenious at best. Libraries should promote transferable educational skills like math and science. Hosting Mario Kart tournaments does nothing to educate our children. |
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On March 4, 2010 Julie said:
I am impressed with the scope of services offered by the libraries in Columbus, Ohio. Jennifer Hess certainly provided a clear picture of how the library is relevant to all the citizens in its neighborhood. Keep up the great work. |
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