Case Study
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Hamlet, Alberta
Population 750
Jan is a librarian in Hamlet, Alberta, a small community of 750 people located in north central Alberta. The community library has a small collection of books, music CDs, videos and DVDs. It is housed in a small classroom that is used as both the school library and the community library.
The library serves two functions. Three mornings a week the library becomes the school library where students may read, work on their homework, and browse the collection. The room then becomes the local community’s library for five afternoons a week, Monday through Friday.
Jan has several volunteers from the community who assist her in maintaining the collections. Jan has observed and has had comments from the volunteers that there it is difficult to find materials on the shelves and that there are not a lot of reference materials for adults. Also, many of the community members would like to use a computer and the Itnernet, but they really do not know what to do and the hours when the library is open are not all that convenient for some adults.
Jan has been thinking about making changes to the library. Her funds are limited and she recognizes that the school’s needs take precedent over the library as a community resource. What things could Jan do to make changes in the library?
Your turn to plan:
Here are a few suggestions that do not take a lot of financial or other resources:
Signage – Print signs that are easily read by all users including those with visual impairments.
Computer training days – Invite groups to training sessions – perhaps the school kids could teach new users. This way the school children reach out to the community as well.
Link up with other libraries in other centres for materials exchanges.
Seek out business partners as sponsors for new materials, e.g. – adaptive software or CD-ROM encyclopedias.
Determine if new materials could also serve the school as well as the library and perhaps form a partnership with the School Board to purchase dual-purpose materials.
Outreach – Perhaps materials could be taken out to groups who may not be able to access the library?
What are your thoughts?
