Week 8 - Trends

Although the library only recently began a formal strategic planning process (also called long range planning), our library staff have always been looking ahead, reading library literature, and making plans. To tap into this vast store of knowledge the Strategic Planning Committee sat down this week with the heads of the Adult and Kids departments, as well as the Teen Librarian, to hear their thoughts on the future of the library. Here are some of the highlights from that discussion:

Every Child Ready to Read – an emphasis on getting children ready to learn to read by fostering the six pre-reading skills in story times, at parent workshops, in print, and with early literacy activity areas.

Services to special niche groups such as children with special needs, homeschoolers, immigrants. The library already has plans to create an ESL (English as a Second Language) collection beginning this May.

Homework assistance. This might include a special homework center in the library, volunteer or paid tutors, or online homework help with a service like tutor.com.

Boys and books. In general, boys take longer to learn to read than girls do, comprehend narrative texts less easily, read less, and value reading less than do girls. Libraries and schools are changing their instruction, programs and services to accommodate the different learning styles of boys, as well as their taste in reading..

Graphic novels, graphic nonfiction. Both departments see these collections as expanding.

Mobile Reference services. May include Librarians who move around the library rather than sit at a desk; a portable “reference/circ desk” that could be taken out into the community, allowing us to reach underserved areas; libraries working together to provide 24-hour live librarian reference service; the use of non-compulsory “uniforms” so librarians can be easily identified.

The Library as cultural center. Expanded programming, targeting audiences of all ages. Libraries are also hosting interactive, museum-like exhibitions. These provide opportunities to link activities with other groups in town and involve the entire community. Drama and readers theater groups are also springing up in libraries.

Gaming. Libraries are beginning to offer special gaming areas where teens can play, hold tournaments, and hang out. Libraries are also building Gaming collections. Gaming is also being used as tool to build literacy.

Downloadable music and movies

Technology. Provide access and training as technologies evolve ; continue to develop and enhance our webite ; be a real presence on the internet. Youth use the internet as a social tool. Libraries are looking for ways to tap into that by exploring the use of MySpace, Facebook, YouTube, etc. Youth like to create content (audio/video/3D/game design). Some libraries are providing space and software to assist with these activities. Blogs are a popular way to communicate and share information.

Publicize better what we have and what we can do for people. Make collections more accessible.