PUBLIC LIBRARIES FOR THE FUTURE IN NEW YORK, ARIZONA AND PENNSYLVANIA

1
PUBLIC LIBRARIES FOR THE FUTURE IN NEW YORK,
ARIZONA AND PENNSYLVANIA

• ESU/CILIP
• Travelling Librarian Award 2003

2
THE PROPOSAL

• To look at how libraries in the USA are
  developing and sustaining
• the capacity and the capability
• to integrate new technologies
• and meet social and government agendas

3
ITINERARY

• New York City
• Long Island
• Arizona
• Pittsburgh

4
AMERICANS FOR LIBRARIES COUNCIL

• Preserving and
• revitalizing
• the free public library
• as an essential institution in a democratic
  society

5
LIBRARIES FOR THE FUTURE

• Strengthen libraries as centres for information
  and learning
• Build stronger connections with local communities
• Use and rollout existing good practice as core
  programmes
• Deliver training and technical assistance

6
EQUAL ACCESS MODEL

• Build on core services
• Adapt traditional skills
• Use new technologies
• Develop long term partnerships
• Common methodology
• Established brands
• Training resources

7
EQUAL ACCESS FRAMEWORK

• Family Place
• Health Access
• Youth Access
• Lifelong Access

8
FAMILY PLACE

• Concept developed in Middle Country in 1980s
• Partnership with LFF in 1996
• Now at 160 libraries in 20 states
• 1m endowment

9
IN THE LIBRARY

• Collections of books, toys and other resources
• Dedicated space
• Developmentally appropriate activities

10
PARENT CHILD WORKSHOPS

• Library based and resourced
• Play based
• Input from childcare professionals
• Supporting parents

11
FAMILY PLACE MODEL

• Expands traditional childrens services
• Leverages library resources to provide family
  support in the community
• Promotes early learning, child development and
  family literacy

12
YOUTH ACCESS

• Access to information
• Support literacy and ICT skills
• Develop community awareness
• Empower young people

13
e-JOURNALISM

• Web application skills
• Writing and editing
• Teamwork
• Engage with community issues

14
GIS MAPPING WORKSHOPS

• Acquire GIS software skills
• Carry out local surveys
• Learn about local communities and local issues
• Contribute to developing community action
  programmes

15
HEALTH INFORMATION

• The key to healthy individuals and communities is
  the ability to read, understand and use health
  information

16
IN THE LIBRARY

• Promote awareness of health issues
• Provide books, videos, magazines
• Target users and brand resources
• Deliver training in accessing and understanding
  health information
• Provide remote access to online databases via the
  portal

17
NEW YORKHEALTH INFORMATION PROJECT

• Specialist collection
• Branch collections
• Remote access via NYPL website for library users
• CHOICES

18
EQUAL ACCESS CURRICULUM

• Develop outreach
• Build coalitions
• Increase public awareness
• Improve advocacy
• Integrate programming into core activities

19
EQUAL ACCESS WORKSHOP

• Needs and assets assessment
• Work planning
• Partnership skills
• Using technology
• Documenting and evaluating
• Advocacy

20
STATE LIBRARIES

• Strategic planning
• Regional co-ordination
• Research Development
• Professional advice to legislators
• Consultancy to libraries
• Lead role in staff training
• Project management

21
LIBRARY CO-OPERATIVES

• Network infrastructure
• Multi-authority LMS and online catalogue
• In-service training
• Support for grant applications/ funding bids
• Advocacy, PR and marketing
• Programme management
• Advice on terms and conditions
• Resource provision

22
LESSONS

• Using collections effectively
• Integrating new technologies
• Working with long term partners
• Using premises as assets
• Developing national brands
• Skills training

23
OPPORTUNITIES

• Early years provision, Bookstart and Family Place
• NHS Online, Health Information Points and Health
  Access Zones
• C2K, Youth Services, Homework Clubs and Youth
  Access

24
ARE THEY DOING IT BETTER?

• Less dependency on short term funding
• Programming integrated into core activities
• Capitalises on collection development and
  outreach skills
• Develops curriculum to develop skills and
  confidence at branch level
• Builds capacity slowly

25
PUBLIC LIBRARIES FOR THE FUTURE IN NEW YORK,
ARIZONA AND PENNSYLVANIA

• ESU/CILIP
• Travelling Librarian Award 2003