04.02.06
Posted in News at 12:49 pm by Paloma Cruz
Observations on the story referenced below:
- No one in Houston Public Library is quoted and no indication is given that anyone was interviewed — rather the entire article is based on the press release alone. I find that very odd for a Houston Chronicle article that ran on the front page of a section.
- The story first ran as a blog entry — this is the first time I’ve seen a blog entry reprinted in the local paper, word for word.
CHECKING OUT
Bookless readers, readerless books: Library lover shelved
Serendipity gets lost in renovation on the downtown library building
– reported by the Houston Chronicle
[snip]
The library has launched a $14.9 million renovation of its central downtown building.
Earlier this month, the library closed two of its four floors normally open to the public. Books from major portions of the collection — arts, science, social sciences, business — can no longer be browsed. Rather, we must request specific titles from already overworked librarians.
[snip]
Cutting off direct access to part of the collection compounds a problem that already existed at the main Houston library. Many books, especially older titles (older than a decade or so, that is), are placed in “stacks”; that is, they are shelved on floors without public access. The thinking seems to be, if we have limited space, let’s devote it to new books, not good, important, enduring or useful books.
[snip]
The entire Central Library will close on April 3, “and is expected to reopen by the end of 2007,” according to the carefully hedged language of a library press release. “For full library service during the renovation, library customers are encouraged to use their neighborhood libraries.”
There are 36 such branch libraries in the city, all with small collections weighted toward the new and popular. Again, I don’t want to mislead: I will still be able to get the books I wish to read, but that will take more time and I will receive only the specific titles I request, nothing discovered by random good fortune. Interlibrary loan will remain, and it is a blessing. The Houston library has located books for me from collections as far away as Indiana and Arizona, as well as cities and universities all over Texas.
“Improvements and changes will be made to public services, creating a better library experience,” the press release assures us. There’s no mention in it of more books being added to the collection, which would seem to be a library’s principal obligation. Rather, not surprisingly, most of the money will be spent providing patrons with “access to state of the art technology.” Translation: more computers in a library where most computer screens, based on my frequent observation, are occupied by solitaire and other games, not scholarship.
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Posted in News at 6:21 am by Paloma Cruz
LAMA seeks entries for PR Makeover event
– announced by the American Library Association
The Library Administration and Management Association (LAMA) Public Relations and Marketing Section’s Swap and Shop will hold its second annual “PR Makeover” as part of this year’s Swap and Shop show. Libraries of all types are invited to submit library brochures for consideration by May 1, 2006. With the assistance of professional marketing and graphic designers, the “PR Makeover” will demonstrate how library brochures might be improved.
Linda Wallace and Peggy Barber, co-founders and principal consultants with Library Communications Strategies, will select three library entries to be “made over” in both a low cost and higher end formats. The makeovers will be unveiled during the Swap & Shop event on Sunday, June 25, 2006 from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. during the American Library Association (ALA) Annual Conference in New Orleans. A PR Makeover display will include the “before” and “after” versions of the brochures. Swap & Shop attendees also will be able to consult with Linda Wallace and Peggy Barber during the event.
To submit a brochure for consideration, email or mail two copies of each entry to arrive no later than May 1, 2006. Send to librarycomm@librarycomm.com or LAMA PRMS PR Makeover, 5109 North Ravenswood Avenue, Chicago, IL 60640. Include the name of the library making the submission, library staff contact name, mailing address, email address and phone number. Short questions about entries can be directed to Swap & Shop committee chair, Jennifer Keohane (860-658-7663 or jkeohane@simsburylibrary.info).
[snip]
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Posted in News at 3:07 am by Paloma Cruz
Library gets grant for renovations
– reported by the Pasadena Citizen
The Pasadena library will soon be able to start on the renovations that they have been planning for some time now thanks to The Brown Foundation, a well-known Houston philanthropic foundation.
The foundation awarded the library a $250,000 grant to help with the much-anticipated upgrades and expansion. This is the largest-ever single grant to be awarded to the Pasadena library system.
In 2001, Pasadena voters passed a bond that allowed a $1.6 million library renovation. Library Director Shelia Ross Henderson got in touch with Eddie Dansby of the Dansby & Miller Architects and developed a plan for an additional 9,500 square feet to be added to the 35,000 square feet when the building was built in 1953.
Once the plans were done they realized more funds were needed to go ahead with the renovations. The cost of materials has increased which now makes this project estimated to cost $3.7-$4 million.
[snip]
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04.01.06
Posted in News at 3:03 am by Paloma Cruz
With proposals open, library debate can begin
– reported by The Jackson Sun
Today, the debate involving the possible privatization of the Jackson-Madison County Library can begin in earnest. Today, the library board will open proposals. Today, or soon thereafter, we will have something to talk about.
Up until now, the library privatization issue has been plagued by speculation. We know what the present management is doing. But we have no idea what new management might be proposing. Only when that is known can the real evaluation and discussion begin.
One thing is certain, change is needed at the library. Whether new ideas are brought to the table by the present management or by someone new remains to be seen. It is past time to raise our library from its low national ranking.
[snip]
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