Other Duties as Assigned

In this module, the reading that really stood out to me was Moving Beyond the “Third Place”. The article describes a forum held at the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions 2016 World Library and Information Congress. The forum was led by Marie Ostergaard, head of community engagement at Dokk1, a large cultural center in Aarhus, Denmark, that includes the Aarhus Public Library, Ostergaard described Dokk1 as being much more than just a library but instead the “living room of the city” (Morehart, 2016). Three other panelists presented their libraries, all of which were said to focus less on collections and more on the library as a space in which to work, perform, and congregate. 

I find this idea compelling and slightly intimidating for a couple of reasons. The libraries in which I have worked are already gathering places, workspaces, and activity centers but I am concerned by the idea of deprioritizing collections. Focusing on the community’s needs and providing opportunities to learn and congregate are central to what we do, but providing access to information through physical and digital materials shouldn’t get lost in the rush to meet other needs.

I am impressed by the beautiful, spacious libraries that are being shown in articles like this but one of my library’s current issues is our layout and the need for quiet space versus areas to collaborate and socialize. The single-floor, open concept layout means that the children’s area, cafe space (the only space in which patrons are allowed to eat), the teen space, and the quiet area all flow from one to the next, with no sound barriers or buffers. If we were able to add on to the building and create distinct spaces, we could better serve everyone’s needs. This isn’t to say that I am resistant to these kinds of changes; furthering the third space idea and making libraries true community hubs is inspiring. But for a small space like mine, it will take some really thoughtful and innovative planning to move to the next level.

References

Moreheart, P. (2016, August 17). Moving beyond the “third place”. American Libraries. https://americanlibrariesmagazine.org/blogs/the-scoop/library-design-moving-beyond-third-place/

 

I found several ideas in this module’s lecture inspiring. At my library, all librarians are part of the Community Services team, as such, outreach is a regular part of the job. This is different from my previous library, where only the children’s librarians went out into the community on a regular basis. I didn’t expect to find a position where my outreach skills would be valued, so I appreciate this.

The community my library serves is a small, walkable town, so it’s easy to get out and talk to the shop owners and residents, whether we’re running a table at a community festival, standing out front with our book bike handing out calendars and flyers, or even stopping in to meet the owners of the new gelato shop. (What started as a lunchtime treat turned into scouting a location for a future book discussion–a win-win!) 

Talking with patrons inside of the library is a great way to find out how we can “serve the whole person.” The more we learn about their interests, needs, and struggles, the more closely we can align our programs and materials to best support them. I love the idea of a community closet filled with supplies that patrons can take as they need them. The “soup day” idea is inspiring as well. We already run a program called “Cook the Book” where patrons choose recipes out of a particular cookbook and bring a dish to share with the group. One of our regular patrons, who is insecurely housed, loves the program and always participates by bringing what she can–a pack of string cheese or something similar. I’ve already suggested a coffee and conversation group at which people can meet representatives from our county’s support services (which I learned about in another class I am taking this semester–Serving Homeless Patrons in Public Libraries.) Maybe the answer is a larger event where we don’t differentiate between people’s need level–everyone can just come and participate.

I am grateful to be part of a library that values its community and is open to new ways of connecting with patrons and finding better ways to serve them. I’ve included a picture of the book bike I referenced in this post. I will admit up front that I really dislike riding the bike but using it as an outreach tool is effective and a great way to start conversations.

 

My name is Sue Ritchie and I am, among other things:

• A librarian at a small library in Bucks County, PA that is part of a larger public library system
• A parent of two kids, one of whom is finishing her freshman year of college and the other, his junior year of high school
• Living in a three-cat household
• Slightly overwhelmed and usually better at juggling things

I’m happy to be taking this class and look forward to getting to know everyone!