Changing with the times, the South Norwalk (CT) branch library will re-open a year from this summer to serve the community with in increase in the number of computers, and a decrease in the number of books. The Stamford Advocate profiles the changes, which include ADA compliant features including elevators and additional accessibility for handicapped patrons. At present, the book racks are too close together to allow wheelchair access.
The exception to the rule will be the children’s department, which will add rather than subtract books.
an unfortunate trend…
of creating libraries with less bookshelf space and fewer employees. This is, sadly, a management trend that one sees in libraryland.
Management apparently thinks that, despite the boom in booksales and reading (judging by the next article), they shouldn’t do anything that might actually encourage reading or enjoyment of books.
I suppose that many library management types see themselves as CEO’s who need to downsize, to keep up with that trend. Yet they also seem to want to build really pretty buildings with lots of network capacity!
Re:an unfortunate trend…
Not sure if you actually read the article as the title is a bit misleading…this library hasn’t weeded its collection since 1979! I think it is due. The article states the weeding will be of outdated and underused materials.
From what I read it appears that reduction in bookshelf space is actually to comply with ADA standards, not due to the view that books are irrelevant. There is nothing in the article about staff reductions….
It is good to see a public library keeping up with the times since that seems to be a main issue in the ongoing battle of public library survival.
Re:an unfortunate trend…
Jessb: I hadn’t read it, so thanks. BUT, there is more than meets the eye here methinks.
*This library renovation was so badly done that they could only accommodate ADA by removing books/shelves.
*”The impending renovation, St. Fort said, was considered an opportunity to inventory the branch’s collection and jettison out-of-date and unpopular items.” So the renovation caused the weeding, not the librarians??? They can’t exactly plead poverty, since they’re renovating.
*A nearly five-fold increase in computers might be a good thing. Did they study the situation on the ground to see if they needed that many? Perhaps better/more shelving for current periodicals is appropriate?
I’m not here to bury this library. I’m just questioning how some managers manage and what the priorities are/may be. Since I haven’t talked to anyone there, I don’t know what they’re thinking, but I know how it often shakes out…
Re:an unfortunate trend…
Well you definitely bring up many good points. Thanks for sharing.