Web-based library service suggested: Innovative steps need to be adopted by London’s public libraries to maintain relevance among an increasingly discerning Google generation, a conference has been told. Culture minister Margaret Hodge suggested opening the capital’s public libraries during evenings and all weekend, introducing a web-based lending service with home delivery and striking deals with Starbucks or Costa. In a keynote speech to the Association of London Chief Librarians in Brighton, delegates heard that although spending has risen 17% in the past ten years, the number of books borrowed has dropped 34%.
See also: Public libraries told to innovate or die out, from The Times (UK), where they know how to write a headline.
Good ideas, but…
KEEP LIBRARIES OPEN ON WEEKENDS AND EVENINGS?! What kind of ignorance is this? My entire library career I’ve worked in libraries open until 9pm, every weekend, and including Sunday hours. I thought that was pretty much a status quo for larger libraries.
As to the web based lending thing, well, I’ve seen something like that done and then I’ve seen it canceled because it costs too much to send out the items either by post or courier.
Now then, as to Starbucks @ my library. No. No no no no no. BUT, that doesn’t mean I’m opposed to the idea of a coffee shop in my library. Actually, as a rabid fan of the bean, I would dance around in thong underwear if they put one in. Yet I don’t want it run by Starbucks, I want the FOTL or a similar, library attached, organization running it. It’s not that hard. I’ve talked with barristas at coffee houses. Anyone can learn to make spendy coffee. But if we’re going to sell that stuff, I want the money, all the money not put back into the shop for shop needs, to go to the library. Not some damned corporate coffeehouse in Seattle.
Some books contain the machinery required to create and sustain universes. Tycho (Jerry Holkins) @ Penny Arcade
here here
I think that’s the answer…at least a small element of the library needs to be profitable, and more libraries need to pursue this line of thinking. Quit depending solely on handouts…they’re getting fewer and fewer as society somewhat necessarily becomes more selfish. Sell coffee, sell used books, sell book-related stuff, etc., charge fees, charge rent, sell tickets, etc. etc., friends/librarians can do it better than those silly barristas.
Oh and by the way, would we want to see you dancing around in a thong? Sparked my interest…