Small library experience and blogging

Had my first experience of a small community library this week. A very different experience to that of the business-like city libraries. Informal, relaxed - everyone has time for a chat, and obviously news travels in a very personal fashion. It certainly reminded me of what it truly means to be human. We really have become slaves to the business model of doing things and lost some of our humanity and soul in the process. That is not to say that the staff of the city libraries are not friendly but more that everything is driven to fit a business model or system.

While there I learned that at one stage the library was to be closed down but the local community rallied and managed to keep it open. I thought that a library blog may have been useful in this instance for providing evidence of community interest and use of the library. Users could be encouraged to post a comment about why they felt it important to keep the library open, when & why they use the library, and what they value most about the library.

Because I have an education background I notice the homeschooling families coming in and some of their concerns. In particular parents often want reading guidance for their children. This is answered generally by floor staff who may or may not have the knowledge to pass on. I thought a blog for home schoolers could be useful in providing information about where they can find this information - useful reference tools in the library and online. Parents and children could make comments about materials/online sites/books that they have found useful or enjoyed. The library has a lot of useful materials that might be invisible to those who do not know they are there. I have taught for many years and until doing the Library and Information Management Course did not realise how much libraries have to offer - so I can relate to many who come in and have no idea where to look or what to look for.

The other group I have an interest in are the new english speakers. Somehow the library resources need to be made more accessible to this group. Blogging may be okay for those whose skills are up to it but some sort of regular library tour or information session could be useful in libraries that have high migrant populations. Maybe a special stand with "Learn English" and sheets with resources signposted. If near the service area staff could book people in for a library tour. From my experience these people (like all of us) benefit from hands on experiences - physically visiting and handling the materials, being shown the web sites that may be useful to them.