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> "...they could at least coordinate with the other regional libraries so that things remain available." I guess I'm spoiled living on Long Island, NY. There a

> "...they could at least coordinate with the other regional libraries so that things remain available." I guess I'm spoiled living on Long Island, NY. There are 58 branches of my county's library in Nassau County, which is ~450 sq.mi or one branch every eight square miles. At least they profess to check before removing a resource. That said, I like visiting the library and speaking with regulars, and interacting with staff who have become my friends. I enjoy the feeling of community. And I feel a personal connection when what I like is physically present in my local library, and not just available for interlibrary loan. I've expressed this to the librarians. Their response is one excuse after another about space, circulation, budgets, availability of on-line resources--a list of the constraints on their job. And when I'm not persuaded by these arguments, they end saying I'm the only one who has ever made these complaints and I should add a suggestion to the "box". What they won't do is share their work or publish the circulation numbers. As you can see I want to have libraries where patrons engage and participate. I love these ideas and I want to read about more of them.

creer 3y ago
Many participating libraries in California and, on a good year, a couple in Nevada have a glorious cooperative system. Cities, counties, universities... A majority of items are easily available from the system when not on the shelf at some local branch. A free and fast alternative to the old style interlibrary loan. At the several libraries where I have tried to use them, suggestions for purchases are readily followed. Surprisingly regardless of holdings elsewhere in the system! The librarians seem eager for these requests. At some libraries that leads to excesses: a couple yards of religious stuff suddenly appears in the New section... Then that requester calms down. Here the problem truly is pruning: done without regard for the otherwise massive holdings of the cooperative system. Or for the massive amounts of space still available for stacks at my local library. I guess idiosyncratic local quirks here and there. Operating suggestions and attending board meetings is possible but I have not made a crusade of the pruning issue. Not so far anyway. For a few years, the director of one of the county libraries was hell bent on making non-residents pay for a membership. So I was not a member of that one for a few years - enough other libraries left. Until she left and things returned to sanity. Things in public libraries can be run pretty "seat of the pants" by just a few people.
- xtiansimon 3y ago
  > "attending board meetings" I struggled with this very question, but there is politics to consider before becoming involved. My community library is, arguably, overstaffed. I don't know when this started. The branch has gone above the county hiring standards, and created well paid positions. The remainder of the library staff is part-time minimum wage. If I become involved, or even show interest in management, I could find myself in conflict. Not a decision to make lightly. Board meetings are largely public. I've volunteered with various non-profit organizations, and had very rewarding experiences. The first thing I noticed is they appreciate your participation, but then when you're not needed you also feel it.

creer 3y ago

Many participating libraries in California and, on a good year, a couple in Nevada have a glorious cooperative system. Cities, counties, universities... A majority of items are easily available from the system when not on the shelf at some local branch. A free and fast alternative to the old style interlibrary loan. At the several libraries where I have tried to use them, suggestions for purchases are readily followed. Surprisingly regardless of holdings elsewhere in the system! The librarians seem eager for these requests. At some libraries that leads to excesses: a couple yards of religious stuff suddenly appears in the New section... Then that requester calms down. Here the problem truly is pruning: done without regard for the otherwise massive holdings of the cooperative system. Or for the massive amounts of space still available for stacks at my local library. I guess idiosyncratic local quirks here and there. Operating suggestions and attending board meetings is possible but I have not made a crusade of the pruning issue. Not so far anyway. For a few years, the director of one of the county libraries was hell bent on making non-residents pay for a membership. So I was not a member of that one for a few years - enough other libraries left. Until she left and things returned to sanity. Things in public libraries can be run pretty "seat of the pants" by just a few people.

xtiansimon 3y ago
> "attending board meetings" I struggled with this very question, but there is politics to consider before becoming involved. My community library is, arguably, overstaffed. I don't know when this started. The branch has gone above the county hiring standards, and created well paid positions. The remainder of the library staff is part-time minimum wage. If I become involved, or even show interest in management, I could find myself in conflict. Not a decision to make lightly. Board meetings are largely public. I've volunteered with various non-profit organizations, and had very rewarding experiences. The first thing I noticed is they appreciate your participation, but then when you're not needed you also feel it.