While reading the required readings for this week’s module, something that really stood out to me is the importance of remembering that libraries, at their core, are for the people. Technology is fascinating, and it can be easy to get swept up with new advancements, but it’s important to remember that the purpose of the library is to support the community.
Schmidt’s 2016 article in Library Journal on asking the right questions really spoke to me, as questionnaires looking for suggestions on how the library can improve their services are something that I’ve come across many times. Every time I see that survey, I am at a loss, as I don’t really know how to answer the broad questions on these surveys. Schmidt’s point regarding asking questions about the lives of your library’s patrons as a method of learning more about what patrons may want and need from their library is something that library staff should keep in mind when developing their surveys.
Additionally, Baute’s blog regarding the Northern Regional Library in Tamale, Ghana’s project to provide vital pre/postnatal information to pregnant women through text messages, the radio, and more really touched me. It was amazing to read about how the library is able to provide vital information and check up on pregnant women and their infants throughout their pregnancies and post birth, especially given the high maternal mortality rates in their communities. The library being able to provide a space where women can come in to learn important pre/postnatal information via the computers is a testament to the importance of the library and an example of how libraries need to adapt to their community’s needs to better serve their communities.
References
Baute, N. (2013). How a modern library keeps mothers healthy in rural Ghana. EIFL. https://www.eifl.net/blogs/how-modern-library-keeps-mothers-healthy-rural-ghana
Schmidt, A. (2016, May 1). Asking the right questions. Library Journal, 141(8), 22. https://link-gale-com.libaccess.sjlibrary.org/apps/doc/A450998802/AONE?u=csusj&sid=bookmark-AONE&xid=b7dabb9d
@christinew Aaron’s column on questions was a real eye opener for me. I quote it often when I am speaking with librarians here and there. My favorite question for library users? “What would make your life easier?”
Hi Christine! Schmidt’s article also stood out to me. My favorite question is “Tell me about a time when you were focused and lost track of time.” In addition to trying to work this into a library survey, I could see this question being used effectively in a reader’s advisory conversation. I’m looking forward to trying it!
Hi Maggie!
That’s a great question! I’ll have to steal that one in the future 😀 It might be a little hard to incorporate into a library survey as it’s very open-ended and would require a person to review every answer themselves, but it’s a question that I would love to see in surveys. It’s such an interactive question that really invites you to expand more on your answer.