At the Utah Library Association Conference 2009, we had a session, “Rural Library Reach-out
.”
Attendees sat at a table, ate good food, and talked about the rural library of the future. Here’s what we said:
What we need to do now to move into the future:
Rural libraries need to take steps to increase community awareness and use of library. Programming and marketing suggestions included:
- Host Book clubs
- Sponsor “Reader’s Choice”
- Invite Elementary & preschoolers for tours of the library
- Host classes from the schools or visit classrooms for book talks
- Place notices on bulletin boards – advertising
- Send librarians out into the community to network
- Home delivery of materials or books by mail
- Partner with teachers to incorporate curriculum into the collection and vice versa
- Attend town council meetings
- Host a Spanish language story time
- Offer computer classes
- Solicit help from teens to maintain library blogs
- Create a business center with faxes, copiers, and scanners
Technology played a large role in the conversation. Technology was viewed as a necessity, a burden, and a tool. Technology is a key element of what rural libraries see as their future. Patrons are approaching the library as a location for their computer and business needs. Libraries want to use technology for their public relations, marketing, and services. The future of libraries is intrinsically tied to technology and therefore a necessity when contemplating what is ahead.
Continue reading The rural library of the future
Garland Public Library & Website in a Box
Colleen: Thanks so much for the great workshops, and for all that USL does for rural libraries. Our library is looking better and serving better than ever before! Thanks again for all you do. I will end with that note about the benefits of the web and workshops.
Garland City does not have a web site yet. . . . → Read More: Garland Public Library & Website in a Box