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.
Web in a box value
This has been a super value to our library as we did not have a website until this project. We would not have had the money to hire a professional or even have our technician spend the time on creating one for us. This is something that we have control over and can . . . → Read More: Web in a box value