Course:LIBR559A/Becker, S., M. Crandall, K. Fisher, R. Blakewood, B. Kinney, and C. Russell-Sauvé. (2011)

Citation

Becker, Samantha, Michael D. Crandall, Karen E. Fisher, Rebecca, Blakewood, Bo Kinney, and Cadi Russell-Sauvé. (2011). Opportunity for All: How Library Policies and Practices Impact Public Internet Access (IMLS-2011-RES-01). Washington, DC: Institute of Museum and Library Services.

Annotation

According to the IMLS website, “The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation's ...libraries and...museums. Our mission is to inspire libraries and museums to advance innovation, lifelong learning, and cultural and civic engagement. Our grant making, policy development, and research help libraries and museums deliver valuable services that make it possible for communities and individuals to thrive.”

Through this impact analysis, four libraries were used as case studies to investigate the users of and uses for technologies in libraries. They identified seven crucial ways in which the library can best utilize their technology use with patrons. The first point they make is that services within the library need to be integrated with their technology services. Next, budgeting for activities should include staff time and technology costs of providing public access. Detailing these expenditures will help in proving to funding agencies that these services are valuable. Another important factor is the continuation of training for staff. For the patrons to be successful in their use of services, the staff need to have a full understanding of the technologies as well. Letting training take a back seat will only damage efficiency. It is necessary to build relationships with government agencies and community based organizations as they often send their employees and clients to libraries for training, research, and other services provided. It is important to have a strong bond between the various organizations. The fourth important area is to create a set of benchmarks or indicators for the services that are provided to assist in performance and usage models. This data can help facilitate additional funding and influence policymakers. In addition to proving how often the services are being used, the value also needs to be expressed. The study found that incorporating personal success stories carries a lot of weight. This report outlines the ways that libraries can best receive funding and support their patrons. They stress the importance of outlining a mission that pertains directly to the needs of the local. They do make recommendations for change across the nation as well. The report includes ways for libraries to meet the needs and ascertain what they are. It is quite comprehensive and while they are only assessing four libraries across the nation they are attempting to study four very different areas and their needs to find common ground. Their suggestions are notable and are backed with interviews and surveys from patrons and staff.

Institute of Museum and Library Services. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.imls.gov/

Areas / Topics / Keywords

Library Policy Internet Access Government Funding

Kelly Murphy