The following thirteen examples of Service Responses in North Carolina
were developed as the new Public Library Association (PLA) publication
Planning For Results; A Public Library Transformation Process came
off the press in early 1998. The Committee believes it is important to
give readers of these Guidelines some insight into what can be
accomplished locally.
The examples of service responses provided by the
following public libraries in North Carolina did not go through the
planning process outlined in the PLA
publication described in the PLA publication above. However, members of
the Committee
believe these concrete examples
will help local library planners explore the Service Response approach
as they plan for the future. The represented public libraries listed below were selected by the
Committee based
on nominations from the field and knowledge of the libraries' activities.
The description included here from a particular public library does not
mean that
other North Carolina public libraries are not providing similar services
or that the examples provided here necessarily represent the best
practices in the
state. We thank these fine libraries for their willingness to share their
activities and to provide a model for other libraries.
Volunteers take a twelve-hour tutor training workshop to learn
different methods of teaching and to become familiar with the many kinds
of materials
available. Soon after the workshop a volunteer is placed with a student
who has requested help. The tutor/learner team meet at one of the five
library branches or
at The Learning Place (the hub of the literacy program) once or twice
weekly.
Bimonthly newsletters are mailed to tutors and students. The staff
member responsible does a student newsletter that invites students to
read, work puzzles and take part in student activities. Tutor’s newsletter
include helpful teaching hints, information about new materials, and
notice of activities for either students or tutors.
Both tutors and students are given opportunities to attend literacy
conferences around the state. In 1995 six students attended a New Readers
Conference in Greensboro. The librarian supervising the program is a
member of the North Carolina
Literacy Association, the North Carolina Library Association, and Laubach
Literacy Action. Staff attend literacy conferences in North Carolina and
Virginia; the librarian attends bi-annual Laubach Literacy
conferences.
The Learning Place in Reidsville is a facility located near the
Reidsville Branch Library. It provides a large meeting room separated from
the collections and staff space.
Through the years the collection of materials which can be used with a
student has increased from one basic reader to many choices, including
workbooks, audio tapes, video tapes and computer programs. Program series
come on various levels (from 0 reading level to the 9th grade)
and concentrate on different learning styles so that a student can be
helped no matter where he or she is in the learning process. Three
libraries
contain partial collections and The Learning Place has a complete and
expanded collection. Many supplementary books written especially for adult
new readers round out the collection, and the tutors have many reference
books to further their understanding of how to teach adults who have
slight to moderate learning differences. Subjects include some
who are dyslexic or who have other learning disabilities, spelling
difficulties, and "how to." Adult New Readers collections are separate sections in each of the
libraries making it convenient for both students and tutors to find study
materials as well as supplemental books in fiction, geography, history,
biographies, etc. Books are marked to indicate approximate reading levels
to further aid in selection.
The Learning Place provides a computer with CD-ROM for use by tutors
and students. They may also access Rockingham County Public Library’s
on-line catalog as other patrons do. Computers and appropriate software
for adults learning to read are also available in two branches for
students to use.
During the 1997 fiscal year, literacy staff responded to 495 reference
and
directional questions, circulated 2957 items, put deposit collections in
10 community agencies. They mailed bi-monthly newsletters to
approximately 300 people.
Each year two special events are held: the fall Tutor Recognition
dinner or reception and the spring Student/Tutor picnic.
The friendly literacy staff often helps low level or non-readers fill
out application and government forms of all kinds, and reads letters or
hard-to-understand communications to them.
The library may provide computers, printers and other office equipment
for public use, may offer special programs on business and career
topics,
and may offer specialized facilities for business meetings and/or for
career counseling. The library may also create business and career
resources or may locate and organize related information on a web page.
The Unit Supervisor has an office. A workroom with a PC is shared by
other staff. A microform reader and reader/printer are located in
Business
Research. Two coin operated photocopiers are provided for public use.
There is a separate fax machine and phone line for exclusive use of the
Business Research Unit.
The City of Archdale (pop.8529) is located in the fastest growing
section of Randolph County. Explosive growth is both positive and
disruptive, bringing to a traditionally conservative, rural area a
diversity of education and life-style not previously encountered.
Archdale-Trinity is experiencing an influx of residents with college
education, many of whom work in neighboring Guilford County. In Randolph,
48% of the population has less than a high-school diploma. Businesses are
small; 70% of the working population work for companies that employ 10 or
fewer employees. Residents traditionally claim more ties to the
High-Point/Greensboro communities in Guilford than to communities in
Randolph.
An African-American community has deep roots here but the
Archdale-Trinity community had no cultural activities for families or
out-of-school adults. For humanities enrichment, they went to Guilford
County. The African-American community did not use the library, and later
reports indicated that they felt "left out" as a community from area
activities.
Services offered include:
The library may provide intake
and
assessment forms from referral agencies, and library staff may conduct
initial interviews or provide follow-up with clients and agencies to
determine whether services were provided that met the individual's
need.
The Information & Referral function is incorporated
into the Headquarters Library Information Services Department and operates
from the Information Services Desk or Telephone Reference Desk. About
100 square feet per staff member is assigned.
The staff maintain a variety of
professional materials and resources in their work and service areas. They
maintain memberships and information from state and national AIRS
associations. They maintain extensive files on local service and general
interest organizations.
Staff have access to telephone, fax, and
e-mail communication equipment, including computers to create their files
and the draft for The Answer Book. Library Computer Support Staff upload
the information from The Answer Book into the Library's Online Public
Access Catalog (OPAC) and on to the Library's WWW home
page.
The library may provide programs on topics such as health,
nutrition,
child care, and consumer affairs. The library may offer practical
pamphlets, booklets, and electronic access to resources produced by
cooperative extension agencies, governmental entities, and consumer
advocacy organizations. The library may also create its own consumer
resources such as informational brochures, or it may locate and
organize
consumer-related information on a web
page.
The library also provides electronic resources such as
NC LIVE EbscoHost, ProQuest Direct, InfoTrac
(in-house subscription),
and SIRS.
The library provides Internet service, in addition, plus
several CD-ROM resources that can trace businesses and their
products, and many books on various topics of interest to
consumers.
Despite a desperately overcrowded building, we have done our best as
far
as new book displays. In addition to a large new book display located
near
both the entrance and the public service desks, we use several small
bookcases for special displays such as "Staff Picks". In the Young
Adult
area,
displaying new fiction along with the current issues of magazines has
been very effective. In addition, a face-out books display and highly
visible paperback spinners have helped us make the most of limited
space.
New children's books are on display at the entrance to the children's
wing, as well as one the tops of the (child-size) shelves. Seasonal
displays of children's books and of parent/teacher materials are
extremely
popular.
We use NoveList regularly both for collection development and
reader's advisory. This tool is also available at all of our public
Internet terminals. In addition, we invest heavily in print reader's
advisory tools for our reference collection.
Rockingham County Public Library
Sue Williams, Director - June, 1998
High Point Public Library
Kem Ellis, Director - June 1998
Archdale Branch of the Randolph Public Library System
Richard Wells, Director - June 1998
Cumberland County Public Library and Information Center
Jerry Thrasher, Director - June 1998
Cleveland County Public Library
Carol Wilson, Director - June 1998
Glenwood Branch of the Greensboro Public Library Systen
Sandra Neerman, Director - June 1998
Transylvania County Public Library
Anna L. Yount, Director - June 1998
Forsyth County Public Library
William Roberts, Director - June 1998
Public Library of Charlotte and Mecklenberg County
Robert Cannon, Director - June 1998
Wake County Public Library System
Thomas Moore, Director - June 1998
Rowan County Public Library
Philip Barton, Director - June 1998
Henderson Public Library System
William Snyder, Director - June 1998
New Hanover County Public Library
David Paynter, Director - June 1998
BASIC LITERACY
Rockingham County Public
Library
Sue Williams, Director - June 1998
Needs Addressed by This Service Response
A library that offers Basic Literacy service addresses the
need to
read and to perform other essential daily tasks.
What the Library Does and Provides
The library provides a learning environment, specialized
materials, and access to trained tutors to help people reach their
personal literacy goals. The library may provide specially designed
facilities and access to instructional technologies that enhance the
effectiveness of tutoring efforts. Library staff, or highly trained
volunteers, may be used to provide the tutoring.
Description of Library and Service Population
The Rockingham County Public Library provides service from
seven
facilities: five branch libraries in Eden, Madison, Mayodan, Reidsville,
and
Stoneville; The Learning Place in Reidsville; and a seventh location,
the
Administration Building in Eden, which houses Administration, Outreach
Services,
Technical Services, and the Computer hub. Rockingham County has a
population of 90,083
in its 572 square miles. Located in the North Carolina piedmont section,
its northern border is the Virginia state line.
Community Need Addressed by Program
The 1996 census identifies 7,116 people over
25 years of age in the county having lower than an 8th grade
education level. In addition, a growing number of immigrants who need
ESL assistance have moved to the county.
Target Audience
The program is designed to serve adults and teenagers over 16
with reading, writing, and mathematical needs necessary to become
literate.
Service Objectives
Description of Services and Activities
Tutoring individuals on a one-on-one basis is provided.
After
interviews with a potential student, he/she is "matched" with a tutor.
Tutors are solicited annually through newspaper ads. Volunteer hours are
recorded
and each year a Tutor Recognition celebration is held. Tokens of
appreciation are given to recognize the many long hours volunteers give.
1997 saw the literacy program’s first "colossal" tutor (over 1,000 hour).
Special student events are also planned from time to time.
Resources Allocated to Service
The literacy program staff consists of a full time librarian,
two part-time assistants paid by the county, and two part-time grant
funded positions. The librarian selects material, trains
tutors, interviews and makes an assessment of students, matches
students and
tutors, speaks and provides other publicity, supervises the literacy staff
and writes grants.
The part-time staff assist in maintaining The Learning Place by
taking care of clerical duties, student and tutor files, correspondence,
publicity, and many other day-to-day details. Of the two grant-funded
positions, one assistant was hired specifically to work closely with the
ESL (English as a Second Language) tutors and students; the other one
works more closely with all students, evaluating progress and
satisfaction with the program.
Community Collaboration
The Rockingham County Public Library’s Literacy Program work
closely with the Rockingham County Community College’s GED Department,
providing a tutor when a student needs extra help in order to obtain a
diploma.
GED classes are held in one library branch and at The Learning Place.
Volunteers are also supplied to the Job Resource Center as needed. Other
county and state agencies refer students on a regular basis to the
Learning Place. Joint efforts between Rockingham County Consolidated
Schools and the literacy program include Books for Baby (a kit of
information and a book is given to mothers of newborn babies in two local
hospitals) and Family Reading Project (books and books on tape are taken
to schools to be used by children in Title I classes and their parents).
These projects were made possible through grant money.
Funding and Support Services
In order to supplement county and grant funds, staff conducts
fund raising activities, such as the Christmas Stocking of Literacy. With
these funds a computer with a CD/ROM drive was purchased for student use
in 1998. The agency is a part of the whole
service program of the Rockingham County Public Library and therefore has
its materials ordered, cataloged, and processed by the Technical Services
Department of the library. There are delivery runs among all seven
library buildings three days a
week. As with the branches, photocopies and fax machines are
available.
Service Measures
Classes to train perspective tutors are held throughout the
year. Four training classes were held in 1997 and five in 1996. The total
number of trained tutors currently (June 1998) is 106; these are all
tutors who either
are tutoring or still planning to tutor in the future.
BUSINESS AND CAREER
INFORMATION
High Point Public
Library
Kem Ellis, Director - June 1998
Needs Addressed by This Service Response
A library that offers a Business and Career
Information service
supplies information related to business, work,
entrepreneurship, personal finances, and obtaining
employment.
What the Library Does and Provides:
The library provides expert personal assistance,
specialized
electronic and print resources, and services of interest to the
business
community, to investors, to individuals who are seeking employment or
who
are dealing with a changing work environment, and to individuals who
are
contemplating a career move or change. Library users can
access a significant amount of information without visiting the library
by
using the telephone, fax, e-mail or other electronic delivery
systems.
Brief Description of Library and Service Population:
Business Research Services is a specific section of the
Research
Services Division of High Point Public Library. The library, located in
High Point, North Carolina, serves a population of over 75,000 through
a
main library.
The staff of Business Research Services, two full-time librarians and
two
part-time research associates, assist library users in finding specific
and general information on all business-related topics, and in locating
requested materials from the library's business
collections.
Service Objectives:
Business Research Services addresses the need for
information
related
to careers and employment; investing; taxes; small business; special
programs; and the Furniture Market.
Description of Services and Activities:
Resources Allocated to Service:
Reference and circulating collections of current and
classic
business
books are available. A Career Center collection contains reference and
circulating books on vocational opportunities; career changes; wage and
salary information; job search strategies; and many other topics. All
these collections consist of nearly 5,000 volumes. The periodical
section
features the most current issues of business, finance, and industry
newspapers and magazines. Back issues are stored on microfilm,
microfiche,
and in paper form. Electronic databases provide company profiles,
indexing, and full text information about business and industry topics.
Two Internet workstations are available for customers to explore
business
topics through a variety of search strategies.
Community Collaborations:
The staff of the Business Research Unit work closely with
the Chamber
of Commerce, SCORE, the federal and state IRS offices, the Commerce
Department, the Cooperative Extension Service, and the local community
college. Collaborative efforts include chairing Chamber committees,
writing articles for area publications, distributing tax forms and
providing tax assistance, and co-sponsoring programs on business, tax,
career, and consumer topics.
Funding and Support Resources:
The funding for the Business Research Services Unit of the
library
comes primarily from the City of High Point. Some state funds are made
available for special projects or acquisitions.
Service Measures/Recent Outcomes:
Conventional methods of measuring service use are employed,
including
reference transactions, periodical use, and program attendance.
Business
Research Services will continue to provide quality service in a timely
manner. Collection management and development functions are performed,
including removing materials that contain outdated information and
adding
quality materials to the collection. We will create and distribute
bibliographies and booklists to enhance accessibility of and provide
guidance to materials. We will create, publish, and distribute local
directories such as our local area minority business directory. The
library features book displays and bulletin boards to increase customer
awareness
of current business issues and new books.
COMMONS
Archdale Branch of Randolph
Public Library
System
Richard Wells, Director - June 1998
Needs Addressed by This Service Response
A library that provides a Commons environment helps address
the need of
people to meet and interact with others in their community and to
participate in public discourse about community issues.
What the Library Does and Provides
The library provides public space for meeting and
gathering that is inviting, neutral, and safe for all individuals and
groups in
the community. The library may provide a variety of meeting and gathering
spaces including large meeting rooms, small group meeting and study rooms,
and open public spaces that invite conversation and discussion. The
library may provide electronic means of assembling, such as
videoconferencing facilities.
Brief Description of Library and Service Population:
The Archdale branch (3,600 square feet of public area) of the
Randolph
County
Library System has established itself as a welcoming resource to all
people in our community. It has a meeting room with a capacity of 50.
Most evening programs are held on nights when the library is
closed, in order to accommodate attendees comfortably. The branch is next
door to the Archdale/Randolph Community College.
Service Objectives:
To welcome the entire community to the Archdale Library by
providing a
center for life-long cultural and educational activities and
information.
Description of Services and Programs
Some of the programs initiated include the
following:
Service Measures/Recent Outcomes:
Most of our measures are word of mouth and consistently high
enrollment
for our offerings. Most of our attendees are traditional library users. We
still seek more involvement with our minority populations. Our meeting
rooms increased use and the increased diversity of users reflects a rising
awareness of the library's presence.
COMMUNITY REFERRAL
Cumberland County Public
Library and
Information Center
Jerry Thrasher, Director - June 1998
Needs Addressed by This Service Response
A library that offers Community Referral addresses the need
for
information related to services provided by community agencies and
organizations.
What the Library Does and Provides
The library establishes ongoing relationships with
community
organizations and local governmental agencies. The library develops
and maintain or will facilitate the development and maintenance of a
database of available services and qualifications for receiving those
services. The library provides easy, convenient, confidential access
to the information in a variety of ways such as walk-in service, toll-free
telephone service, or Internet access.
Brief Description of Library and Services
The Cumberland County Public Library & Information Center
is
composed of a headquarters library, six branches and a bookmobile serving
a population of 294,195. The total budget is $6.9 million with 132
full-time and 63 part-time staff in 1997-98.
Community Needs Addressed and Target Audience
A large segment of the Cumberland County local community needs
information on
basic human
and social resources and agencies providing those services in Cumberland
County. With two large military installations in the county (Fort Bragg
and Pope Air Force Base) there is high mobility in the community with the
constant need to provide community directory information and referral
services. This county also has a low personal income level in comparison
to
the state average for North Carolina and all other large metropolitan
areas of the state. The poverty rate is high and is also a reason for the
need for ready information on human resources and services. An increased
demand for community based information and referral services has arisen as
a direct consequence of welfare reform, necessitating even more reliance
on alternative providers of community services and assistance. The
CCPL&IC received a federal LSCA grant in 1980 to initiate a local
community Information and Referral service called "ACCESS Information
Line" and to create a local directory of community
resources.
Service Objectives
To provide current and up-to-date information on all public
and private
human service agencies and service organizations in Cumberland County to
meet the needs of the citizens of Cumberland County.
Description of Services and Activities
The Information and Referral Center
Resources Allocated to the Service
The service is provided by three full-time Librarians and two
Library Associates II with
assistance from the Community Relations Coordinator for printing of the
directory, and management support.
Community Collaborations
All public and private human service agencies are well aware
of the
services through repeated contact and participation of the Library's
I&R staff in community groups, Chamber of Commerce, and distribution
of The Answer Book annually. The ACCESS Information Line (483-7727) is
publicized in the local media and frequently mentioned on local radio talk
shows in the county. The local news media relies heavily on the I&R
services of the library and frequently has staff appear on their programs
to talk about what they do. All Fayetteville Police vehicles carry a copy
of The Answer Book.
Funding and Support Resources
Funding for the Library's I&R services is part of the
Library's
regular budget that is approved by county government. Funds for five
staff, normal office and department supplies, telephones, normal office
equipment, computers, Internet access, training, transportation, postage
and other costs are part of the normal budget.
Service Measures/Recent Outcomes
In 1997 there were 9,559 questions and referrals handled by
topical
categories. 2,000 Answer Books were published and distributed that
contained 248 pages of community service agencies and resources at $3.50 a
copy in 1998.
CONSUMER INFORMATION
Cleveland County Library system
Carol Wilson, Director - June 1998
Needs Addressed by This Service Response
A library that provides a Consumer Information service
addresses
the need
for information to make informed consumer decisions and helps
residents
become more self-sufficient.
What the Library Does and Provides
The library provides expert assistance and specialized
electronic and print resources to individuals who are interested in
becoming more knowledgeable consumers and to individuals who need to
make
Important consumer decisions. The library offers resources that
include critical reviews of products and services and wholesale price
guides for durable goods. The library also offers access to
information on maintaining and repairing consumer goods.
Description of Library and Service Population
The Cleveland County Library System is located in the
southwestern Piedmont of North Carolina. The library system consists
of a
main library located in the county seat of Shelby, a branch library
and a
bookmobile. The service population is 91,000. Cleveland County has
some
diversified industry, but outside the Shelby and Kings Mountain city
limits it is mostly rural. The Library System has 17 FTE staff of whom
three
are professional librarians.
Need Addressed by Service Response and Target Audience
Cleveland county has recently had some major plant
closings
with a
consequent rise in the unemployment rate. More than ever, its citizens
need to be cautious when buying big ticket items and need information
that
will help them make the best purchase possible. The target audience is
the
adult population of the county. The library also strive to provide
children with
books and other materials to help them learn wise spending practices
such
as recycling and saving money.
Service Objective
The objective of this service response is to maintain a
collection,
in all formats, to help the citizens of Cleveland County make wise
buying
decisions.
What the Library Does and Provides
The library provides serial publications such as
Consumer Reports with yearly Buying Guides, Electronics
Buying Guide
, New and Used Car Buying Guides, NADA New and Used Car
Guides,
Consumer Digest and all buying guides,
First Search (in-house subscription) featuring Consumer
Index.
Resources Allocated to Service
Fifteen computers are available to the public with the above listed
electronic services. The entire staff is trained to help patrons
access
all materials
described above.
Each library site is equipped with resources in-house and
materials are faxed to and from each site as needed.
Community Collaborations
The library system has partnered with the hospital and the
Mental
Health Association to select and provide materials in the area of
health
care consumerism. The United Way also provides an I & R service
through the library that contains contacts for consumer problems and
referrals to free lawyer services.
Funding and Support Services
The library system has received several grants over the
past
ten years that have
allowed it to strengthen our consumer information collection. The
reference and adult book budget contains a small percent designated to
this subject area. The provision of free Internet access from the
State
Library has also made many more resources available in this
area.
Service Measures/Recent Outcomes
This service response can be evaluated through traditional
methods,
such as reference transactions, number of acquisitions and user
satisfaction studies. We have had tremendous response to LSCA Wellness
Center grant, which includes many resources on health care
consumerism.
Demand continues to remain high for all the other resources as well.
This
patron response has led us to the point
where we are adding more
resources
and publications.
CULTURAL AWARENESS
Glenwood Branch Library of Greensboro Public Library System
Sandra Neerman, Director - July 1998
Needs Addressed by This Service Response
Two primary needs are addressed:
The library staff, which
reflects the racial and ethnic make-up of the community, has developed
programs and services that promote multicultural understanding within
the
neighborhood and other activities that celebrate the ethnic diversity
of
the entire city. What the Library Does and Provides
The library’s services fall into two broad categories
Service Objectives
Description of Library and Service Population
The Glenwood Branch Library is located in the southwestern area of
Greensboro, very near the Greensboro Coliseum. The 9,600 square foot
building opened three years ago in one of Greensboro’s most diverse
neighborhoods. The Glenwood Library is located in an historically
white,
working class neighborhood. In recent years a growing majority of the
residents are African-American, Southeast Asian, African and Hispanic.
About 45% of the service area is African-American; 10% are immigrants
and
refugees from several countries and the remaining 45% are white
working
class and middle class families. Almost half of the refugees who come
to
North Carolina settle in Guilford County. They come from Vietnam,
Cambodia, Somalia, Bosnia and Cuba. Many of them live in Glenwood, one
of
Greensboro’s oldest neighborhoods, where housing is very affordable.
The
Glenwood Library staff includes 4 full-time, 4 part-time and 2
Americorps
volunteers.
Programs that promote cross-cultural understanding
These weekly clubs bring together native speakers of English and
non-native speakers for two hours of conversation. About 40 people
participate each week. They discuss cultural issues, take field trips
and
implement special projects. The clubs have become one of Greensboro’s
most
important and well-known opportunities for inter-cultural experiences.
Recently, when a Congressperson wanted to talk to an ethnically
diverse
group, his office arranged for him to visit a Conversation Club at the
Glenwood Library. When a public school teacher wanted a Vietnamese
speaker
for her class, she called the Conversation Club. The list of such
experiences is extensive. The Conversation Club recently received much
media attention for the World
Wide Web homepage that it created
(http://www.nr.infi.net/~glenwood).
Every week a diverse group of about 35 children visit the library
to participate in the Afterschool Kids Club. At least 50% of the
programs
are designed to teach American children about the experiences and
cultures
of immigrants and refugees. Using stories, folklore, crafts, food and
guest presenters from other countries, the Children’s Librarian
presents
the cultures of Asia, Africa, Europe and the Americas. The program has
become so popular that parents and afterschool daycare teachers drive
from
across the city to bring their children to these programs. The
"curriculum" has already been copied by other libraries in
the
city and we think that in the future it may be used as a model for
library
programs across the state.
Recognizing that teachers, students, human resource staff and many
others in the city need materials for multicultural diversity
training and education, we developed an extensive collection of
training materials and periodicals by and about various cultures and
nationalities.
Over the past three years the Friends of the Glenwood Library has
sponsored over 15 different festivals and programs to celebrate the
cultures of the immigrants and refugees living in the city. These have
included lectures and food from Africa, a Vietnamese Moon Festival,
Caribbean Day, Montagnard-Dega Day and a multicultural Birthday Party
for
Martin Luther King, Jr.
Because many nonprofits have limited funds for diversity training,
the staff and volunteers of the library provide free consultation and
resources for nonprofits.
This directory, listing the details about dozens of ethnic and
multicultural organizations in Greensboro, has become very popular for
teachers, community educators, nonprofits and religious groups. In
1998,
it will be updated and expanded.
This newsletter is designed to promote cross-cultural
understanding. It is distributed to over 1000 community leaders,
teachers
and subscribers.
We use the annual Fun Fourth Festival, attended by over 100,000
people, as a time to raise the community’s awareness of Greensboro’s
diversity.
Each week there are several ESL classes and tutoring sessions.
Over 100 students participate in these each week. Staff and volunteers
work together to assure that the learners receive high-quality
learner-centered instruction. These include a Women’s Literacy Class,
a
TOEFL class, conversation classes and the World Wide Writers group.
In addition to preparing the students for the Citizenship Test, the
teachers provide the students with a wide spectrum of language and
cultural experiences.
This is the only computer lab of its kind in a public library in
North Carolina. Eight computers are loaded with software specifically
for
ESL learners. In addition to learning computer literacy skills, the
learners can work at their own pace with a variety of ESL software
programs.
We devoted a large section of the branch to language learning
materials. We also now house the library system’s foreign language
materials.
All immigrants want their children to learn English as quickly as
possible, but sometimes they also want their children to learn the
language of their home country. We co-sponsor Chinese and Vietnamese
Language Classes for children every Saturday.Community Collaborations
One other important feature of the Glenwood Library is its
commitment to collaboration with other nonprofits in the city. Some of
the
organizations which we collaborate are: Lutheran Family Services,
Alianza
Hispanica, Black Child Development, Ghanian Piedmont Association,
Greensboro Buddhist Center, Guilford Native American Association,
Greensboro Jewish Federation, Montagnard Dega Association, Piedmont
Interfaith Council, Piedmont Triad Council for International Visitors,
Temple Emanuel, United Caribbean Association and various health and
human
service agencies.
Funding and Support Services
We have received several grants. The Lila Wallace
Reader’s Digest
Fund granted $181,000 for adult literacy work in the Greensboro Public
Library, much of which was used to support the English as a Second
Language programs at the Glenwood Library. Grants to support the
multicultural programming has come from the CEMALA Foundation ($5000),
the
Tannenbaum Foundation ($6,000), Duke Power ($3000).
Service Measures and Outcomes
Outcomes for our programs have been excellent. Over 150
people
participate in our English as a Second Language programs. About 50
children participate each week in multicultural programs. Circulation
and
reference transactions in these areas are also high. Evaluation
measures
for these cultural programs include the following:
CURRENT TOPICS AND TITLES
Transylvania County Library, Brevard
Anna L. Yount, Director - July 1998
Needs Addressed by This Service Response
A library that provides Current Topics & Titles helps to fulfill
community
residents' appetite for information about popular cultural and social
trends and their desire for satisfying recreational experiences.
Current
Topics &
Titles answers our community's need for speedy access to recent
popular
materials.
Brief Description of Library & Service Population
Transylvania County, "Land of Waterfalls", is a small,
rural,
mountain county located in southwestern North Carolina. The county is
gaining fame as a retirement haven and our population is growing
proportionately. Presently, nearly 20% of our population of 27,558 is
age
65 and over. We have 13,537 registered borrowers, or roughly 48% of
the
population. The Transylvania County Library serves the county with one
library, in Brevard, and a bookmobile. Our full time staff of twelve
includes four librarian
positions.
Community Needs Addressed
Our target audience is the general population and our emphasis is on
print
materials for adults, young adults and children.
Description of Services & Activities
Our approach is simply to identify and receive potentially
hot
titles as quickly as possible, get them into circulation, publicize
availability, and minimize wait time. To accomplish this,
Resources Allocated to Service
Current Topics & Titles involves our entire public
service
staff. Each circulation staff member is required to add five titles
per
week to the "Staff Picks" display. Each staff member has developed a
genre
fiction reading list in an area of her choosing. Staff members are
expected to be familiar with the library's new books list, with the
best
seller list and with reserve lists. And, every staff member takes a
turn
on the radio. All staff members are also expected to perform reader's
advisory service.
Funding & Support Resources
We spend approximately 9% of our book budget on our lease
plan and are considering increasing this amount. In addition, we have
identified 82 authors (adult, children's and young adult) from our
vendor's "Automatically Yours" program whose books our patrons will
"automatically" ask for. Titles from these authors are shipped
immediately
on publication. In addition, our Friends of the Library regularly
purchase
multiple copies of titles used in our Young Adult BookClub and adult
book
discussion groups.
Service Measures/Recent Outcomes
Traditional methods of measuring service are used,
including
circulation of new books, length of reserve lists, and the number of
booklists created. We have recently noticed an increase in the number
of
people who ask for reader's advisory
and in those who patronize the
"Staff
Picks" display.
FORMAL LEARNING SUPPORT
Forsyth County Public Library
Bill Roberts, Director - July 1998
Needs Addressed by this Service Response
The Library recognizes that by assisting students of all ages -- those
involved in formal learning as described below -- in achieving their
educational goals, invaluable human needs of the community are met.
The Forsyth County Public Library serves 285,000 citizens who live in Winston-Salem, N. C. and five other incorporated towns in Forsyth County. Through the Region I & Region G Council of Governments, free borrowing privileges have been extended to fifteen counties containing approximately 700,000 people. The Forsyth County Public Library includes ten full service neighborhood branches, the Main Library, four latchkey centers and outreach programs that touch the lives of children and adults. The pub lic is served by a staff of 112.5 FTE, including forty-seven librarians. The Library materials collection consists of 500,000 volumes.
The Library' target audience is the population of students, as defined by those enrolled in formal schooling, including home schooling.
To provide the materials and services to meet the needs of such students as they are engaged in formal learning activities, and to provide them in the most helpful and workable format.
The Forsyth County Public Library, in its formal learning support role, is involved in numerous in-house and outreach education efforts.
- The Library offers numerous library programs for preschool classes and preschoolers at large. The Childrens Outreach staff brings the library to children in special circumstances with after-school mini-libraries at the Salvation Army Boys Club and several of the City recreation centers. As a lead Forsyth County vehicle for the North Carolina Smart Start program, the Library offers intensive story-sharing training to daycare teachers and provides bookmobile delivery of materials to daycare centers th roughout Forsyth County.
- Growing numbers of homeschooling families push the Forsyth County Public Library to broaden its support of academic curricula. This is a good example of a citizen initiative where the Library feels it is imperative to respond as a strong local resou rce.
- After school hours Forsyth County Public Libraries serve as de facto schools for students busy with homework and school projects. The Librarys ordering of books and electronic media is heavily influenced by student needs. The Forsyth County Public Library offers tours and programs on library use, on a prearranged basis, responding to escalating group use of library services by charter schools with efforts to bolster resources. The Library accommodates requests for customized services to the extent it can; for instance, the Reference Department reserves several Internet computers at a time for private-school class visits. In response to teacher requests, the librarians, especially the childrens services staff, bring programs on books and library use to classes in the schools. In a special public library/public schools arrangement, "Homework Hotline," the Forsyth County Public Library provides space and phone lines four evenings a w eek during the school year for students to seek over-the-phone homework assistance from public-school teachers, who are compensated by the Schools for these extra hours.
- Collaboration with Forsyth Technical Community College, includes the Library on Carver School Road Campus and the collaboration to deliver services such as computer training, GED classes and small business assistance at the Main Library.
Smart Start/Childrens Outreach Staff A staff of eight librarians and seven Library Assistant IIIs carry out the duties and responsibilities of the Smart Start and Childrens Outreach Departments. Part of the 20,000 volume collection is located in four latchkey centers; the remainder of the collection is transported to 100 daycare centers throughout Forsyth County on the Smart Start bookmobile. Computers, A/V materials and CD ROM products are available in the latchkey centers and on the bookmobile. Home Schooling All public service staff, including forty-four librarians at all locations, provide assistance to home schoolers because of the broad range of ages served. The entire collection, as well as Internet access, is available. The library k eeps home schoolers in mind when selecting materials. Traditional Educational Institutions The entire collection of materials, approximately 500,000 volumes, 75,000 non-print items and Internet access at 16 public Internet terminals is available for use by students involved in formal learning, as is the entire staff of approximately 100 people. Homework Hotline: Forsyth County Public Library works with the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County school system in providing this service to the public. The library provides 1,000 square feet of space at the main library, basic equipment and four telephone lines. Forsyth Technical Community College As of August, 1998, Forsyth County Public Librarys newest facility, the Carver School Road Branch, will serve as the library for Forsyth Technical Community College as well as a branch library for the public. A staff of five, including three librarians, will provide assistance to the Forsyth Technical Community Colleges student population. A collection of 35,000 volumes, Internet access, A/V materials and public access computers will be housed in this 10,000 square foot facility. The librarys entire collection will also be available to the Forsyth Technical Community College student population through interlibrary loans.
- Smart Start
The library is an active participant in the Smart Start effort in Forsyth County. The Library Director serves on the Smart Start Board and the library receives Smart Start funding. This activity is complemented by the Childrens Outreach Department, whi ch predated Smart Start by many years, but had been focusing on similar objectives before Smart Start existed.- Forsyth Technical Community College
Since the 1970s the Library has worked cooperatively with Forsyth Technical Community College to offer GED, literacy, and Adult Basic Education services. These programs have had a consistently strong public library presence.In the last several years there has been a deepening of the collaboration, reflecting a community sense that institutions that address a common mission need to share resources and truly work together. The new Carver School Road Public Library Branch wa s built in conjunction with a new satellite campus of Forsyth Technical Community College and shares a common site. Both institutions are working closely together to shape a new service model in the community, with the public library branch serving the curricular library needs of FTCC students attending the Carver campus, as well as the areas general library needs. The Forsyth County Public Library has invited Forsyth Technical Community College to use the western end of the Main Librarys first floor for computer classes and small business counseling, as well as GED classes. The Forsyth County Public Librarys com munity committee for the librarys future was alert to FTCCs search for a downtown auxiliary location, and saw a FTCC presence in the Main Library as illustrating the Librarys importance as a place for education and especially technology education. These efforts are effective to the extent that collaborations with these partners are strong. The Library continually rebuilds the formal collaborations with FTCC and the N. C. Smart Start program, and ongoing working relationships with the Public Schools, charter schools and private schools, daycare centers, the City Recreation Department, Brenner Childrens Hospital and numerous other community educational agencies.
Funding for these services comes from several sources: the County, grants from the State of North Carolina and the federal government. County funding pays for staffing, operating supplies and the maintenance of facilities. State funds have provided for collection development, the NC LIVE database and the acquisition of computers and software products. Eighty percent of the Smart Start Program is funded by the State. Federal funds provide assistance in collection development and programming.
- Specifically defined service measures exist for Smart Start and are part of the overall Smart Start evaluation of all of its agencies.
- Attempts are made to track services to home schoolers, including tracking them by location. The Childrens Services Committee addresses these needs on a regular basis.
- Circulation of materials to students is a traditional method of measurement.
- Success in outreach to students is also evaluated using such traditional measures as school visits, tours, and requests for specialized service. Service measures for Homework Hotline, co-sponsored by the Public Library and the Winston-Salem/Forsyth Cou nty School System, are kept by the school system.
- Service to community college students will be measured by traditional methods at the Carver School Road Branch serving the community college satellite campus. Forsyth Technical Community College itself keeps use statistics for their services located in the Main Library. They meet with library staff periodically to make changes in services to meet changing needs.
A library that offers General Information helps meet the need for information and answers to questions on a broad array of topics related to work, school, and personal life.
The library will offer print, non-print, and electronic reference resources that cover a broad variety of topics. The library will provide staff skillful in determining users’ needs and in locating relevant information that satisfies those needs. Internet access will be provided for staff and public use. Alternative off-site means of accessing information resources such as dial-in service and computer kiosks in public places may be provided. The library will provide telephone information service and should consider accepting and answering questions via fax and e-mail. The library may locate, organize, and provide access to general information resources on a web page.
The Public Library of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County serves 612,000 citizens in the county from the Main Library, 21 branches, and adult and children's outreach departments. A core of standard services is offered in every location (including, for example, collections focused on the community served, basic reference service, readers' advisory service, and children's programming ). Additional specialized services are offered at larger regional libraries, the Law and Government Library, and the Main Library. The Library serves a diverse population with varied informational needs.
At each location, staff provides GENERAL INFORMATION. This core service is provided to all ages to help meet their needs for information and supply answers to questions on a broad array of topics related to work, school and personal life. General Information is a long offered and well used service. The Library is working hard to ensure the service remains relevant and effective as more and more general information is directly available to citizens through new formats and electronic access.
All the residents of Mecklenburg County may use this service. Our audience may reach this service by coming in person to a convenient library location, or by telephone, fax, or electronic mail.
It is our goal to meet the informational needs of all residents, efficiently, promptly, accurately, and in a customer friendly way with the result that the public sees The Library as the principal provider of information in the community. Two key factors in meeting this goal and providing quality service are good collections and a well trained staff.
The Library staff (both professional and paraprofessional) receives regular training to insure they are skillful in determining a user's needs and in locating relevant information that satisfies those needs. An Orientation and Training Team works with the Library's System Resources Trainer so staff have training opportunities to develop skills, behaviors, and learn about print and electronic resources. PLCMC offers print, non-print, and electronic resources - both circulating and reference - that covers a broad variety of topics. Internet access is provided for both the staff and public at all locations. There is a published phone number for general information that is staffed 71 hours per week. This Telephone Reference Service is housed behind the scenes at the Main Library.The Library offers access to its catalog and some databases 24 hours a day for remote users. A patron may dial into the Library's computer catalog from a home computer, search for items, check their lending record, and place a hold on an item. The Library's provides both a general WWW home page <http://www.plcmc.lib.nc.us> as well as one focused on the business community <http://www.bizlink.org>. A local information and history page will be available in the summer of 1998. The general home page provides access to the Library's electronic catalog, a full text periodical database, information about the Library and its services and locations and carefully reviewed and selected links to web sties grouped by topics frequently requested by patrons. A patron may submit a question to library staff by e-mail.
Fax machines in every location allow staff to fax short simple answers to a patron's home or office.
Staff offer instructional classes to the public introducing PC's, the Internet and specific electronic resources.
Staffing: Each location has staff trained to understand a user's question, retrieve and provide accurate General Information. There are currently about 300 staff providing direct public services across the county, ranging from 2 staff at the smallest location to over 70 at Main Staff. Cross training efforts among departments and locations continues with assistance from Support Resources.Funding: The funding for General Information service comes primarily from Mecklenburg County. A portion of Library revenue form fines and fees, photocopier receipts, etc. is directed to the Materials or Electronic Resources budgets to ensure access to current information. Gifts and grants are sought and often utilized to enhance collections and staff training opportunities.
The Library uses traditional measures, such as collecting the number of reference and directional queries answered . Statistics are now kept on in house computer use as well remote users of the home pages and database remote use. The Library conducts an annual patron satisfaction survey. This year the Library is concentrating on assessing and improving its Information Services. As part of that work, an unobtrusive survey was done of the quality of information provided by staff.
A library that offers local Government Information helps meet the need for citizen involvement, and the support of commerce to interested people and organizations.
The Wake County Public Library serves county citizens in the county from 17 branches, 2 bookmobiles and a outreach department. A core of standard services is offered in every location (including, for example, collections focused on the community served, basic reference service, readers' advisory service, and children's programming ). Additional specialized services are offered at larger regional libraries, the Local History Library, and the Electronic Information center. The Library serves a diverse population with varied informational and recreational reading needs.The Library hosts the Wake County Government Web Program. This program enables citizens of Wake County access to County Government services and information. The Web Program allows county departments to expand its service base to the public and each other, on a 7 day, 24 hour basis.
It is our goal to meet the LOCAL GOVERNMENT INFORMATION needs of our customers quickly and accurately. We would like our customers to see the Wake County Public Library as the principal provider of local government information in the county.The Web Program was designed to provide the public with easy and convenient access to the many services offered, not only, by Wake County Public Libraries, but also, to include the many services of the other County departments.
The Web Program's online access includes many of the departments in Wake County. Their combined content includes several gigabytes of information in thousands of pages. Each department maintains its own content. This includes the Wake County Public Library Online Catalog, the County mainframe with its real estate and tax records, the planning databases, interactive databases, Human Services' programs, and more.The library’s local history branch serves as an archive of older county government materials.
- Staffing
The Web Program is staffed by one Webmaster who oversees the entire project and maintains the common web site pages. In addition, he develops many of the new web databases and applications.
- Facilities
The Web Program is housed the Electronic Information Center. The departments are trained in the classroom there. The departments can maintain their pages there in the web lab, or using the County network, they can maintain their pages at their desks.
- Equipment and Technology
The Web Program uses two production servers, one for Lotus Notes Domino database pages, the other for more static standard web pages. The web laboratory includes six stations for development use, and a development server.
All funding and support comes from County Government
The Web Program was measured when it was begun as a web program and is continually be refined by the Web Steering Committee which meets either via an online discussion or in a "formal" in-person meeting in the web laboratory. The public is able to continually provide feedback via the online feedback database. Many of the smaller additions and enhancements are directly a result of public feedback.
A library that provides Information Literacy service helps address the need for skills related to finding, evaluating, and using information effectively.
The library will provide training and instruction in skills related to locating, evaluating, and using information resources of all types. Teaching the public to find and evaluate information will be stressed over simply providing answers to questions. The library will provide access to information in a variety of formats and will offer public Internet training and access. Library staff will be knowledgeable about how peo9ple seek information and learn. Staff may offer group classes, individual tutoring, or spontaneous one-on-one training in topics such as media literacy or finding resources on the Internet. The library may provide a computer laboratory or classroom.
Rowan Public Library is located in historic Salisbury, NC and serves a population of nearly 121,000 through a Headquarters Library in Salisbury and two branches, in Landis and Rockwell, NC. A staff of 45 FTE, including 12 librarians serves the public library.
By providing Information Literacy Service, Rowan Public Library helps its users develop skills related to finding, evaluating, and using information effectively in a variety of formats so that they may continue to explore and satisfy their information needs throughout their lives.
General population including children, young adults, and adults.
To provide access to information in a variety of formats and provide both one on one and group instruction in finding, evaluating, and using these information resources--in print and electronic format as well as the Internet.
- Acquire informational materials in all subject areas.
Provide reference assistance that often includes helping the public use the catalog as well as strategies for finding and evaluating information in multiple formats.
- Offer public Internet classes.
- Offer public E-mail use classes.
- Provide public workstations for Internet access, research databases, and productivity software.
- Provide Interlibrary Loan Service for users requesting materials not owned by the library.
- Provide bookmarks, brochures, and pathfinders to help the public find informational resources in special subject areas.
- Provide orientation tours and how to find information sessions for local students and other groups.
- Provide brochure on how to find information for students conducting library research.
- Provide Internet demonstrations for community and civic groups as well as county departments.
Staffing: Currently staff members in various divisions and locations provide information literacy related services. All librarians at the library spend time on a public information service desk each week. 3 full-time Information services librarians spend 20 hours per week, one part time librarian spends 16 hours per week, and various supervisors and managers each spend 4 to 8 hours per week on an information desk. Additionally, paraprofessional staffs provide information services at branch locations and our headquarters Internet Information Station. This staff has training in using computers, electronic resources, and the Internet in finding and evaluating information.Facilities: Facilities consist of a library headquarters with 47,000 square feet, one branch with 7,000, and one branch with 4,000 square feet.
Collections/Information Resources: The collection consists of 186,191 print volumes, 504 serial subscriptions, and 247 materials in electronic format, including CD-ROM research, educational, and productivity resources, as well as access to the Internet.
Equipment and Technology: Microcomputer workstations for the public are provided in each information service area, including the Local History and Genealogy Collection, Children’s Services, Information Services, and at each branch location. Photocopiers are available at all locations, as well as Microfilm readers/printers are provided at headquarters location.
Rowan Public Library coordinates information literacy related services with various local organizations. We have developed links with the local schools to coordinate student orientation and projects, as well as Quiz Bowl and the Battle of the Books. We have working relationships with groups such as the Chamber of Commerce, Information and Referral, Literacy Council, Home School Association, and SCORE–(the Service Corps of Retired Executives) to coordinate information services, and have also worked with other local groups, including the Optimists, Kiwanis, Master Gardeners, Senior Center, and Rotary to demonstrate Internet resources related to their special interests.
The funding for Information Literacy Services comes primarily from our county government. Additionally, we receive state and federal funding as well as special funding from private foundations, gifts, and from State Library and LSCA grants.
Methods used to measure service include transaction counts, interlibrary loan requests filled, program attendance and evaluations, number of acquisitions, web counters, recorded use of resources, and door counts. With the recent classes on Internet Basics and Email, we have tripled the number of classes offered to meet continued high demand. Similarly, we have experienced a more than 200% increase in Internet use over the last year. We have experienced an increase in the number and complexity of reference transactions over the past two years, noting that we frequently combine answers, bibliographic instruction and technology expertise in the course of regular work.
The Henderson County Library helps address the desire of the adult population for self-directed personal growth and development and the needs for pre-school children to prepare for formal education.
The Library allocates a significant percentage of its budget to provide written, non-print, and electronic resources to meet the needs of these groups. The primary adult service population served consists of retirees who have moved to this part of the state. They are well educated and relatively affluent. Their need is for information on a wide variety of topics. Everything from how-to materials, to travel information, to medical information. The children's population served is similar to that in other counties. The staff has a broad subject background to facilitate helping others in the use of materials. The library also offers a wide variety of informational programs of interest to adults and many pre-school programs.
The Henderson County Library has served residents of the county since 1914. The main library is located in Hendersonville with four branches in other parts of the county. The total population served is 80,000. The Library staff totals 32.5 positions with 9 librarians. The population is ten years older than the state average population due to the high numbers of retirees who move to this area.
Because of the number of retirees with the means and interest to have an active retirement, this population makes heavy use of its library for a variety of informational needs. The Henderson County Library has the highest per capita door count for any county library in North America. In addition to the children of the native population, the retiree population has attracted a number of younger professional workers to service its needs. Their children also use the library in significant numbers.
The Library seeks to provide th means of continuing education for adults and pre-school children.
- Selecting, acquiring, and organizing a collection of materials to meet the informational needs of the adult population
- Selecting, acquiring, and organizing a collection of materials that will help pre-school children prepare for school
- Providing pre-school and adult programs of informational interest
- Providing computer and Internet access
- Acquiring supplemental information from other libraries or organizations
- Assisting patrons in their use of the library
- Conducting orientation programs to the public individually and in groups
- Making services known to groups and individuals in the community
The reference department composed of six staff members is primarily responsible for this service response in the adult population. The children's library staff of three is responsible for service to pre-school and early school age children. Large collections of adult non-fiction, easy books, and audiovisual materials are available as are a number of personal computers for public use.
The Library relies on a number of organizations and individuals to support its programming. The Friends of the Library provides ten public programs each year and several thousands of dollars to support the Summer Reading Program. The Community Foundation provides annual grants to give special support to collection areas from library funds managed by the Foundation. In addition, a number of commmunity organizations with fewer formal ties provide informational programs on an as needed basis.
Funding for the Library is primarily a county responsibility. The annual library budget amounts to approximately 3 cents on the tax levy. Other funds include State Aid, Community Foundation, and Friends of the LIbrary. Funding for Lifelong Learning is a normal part of the library budget and is supplemented by these other organizations.
Conventional service measures include door counts, reference transactions, program attendance, and materials circulation. It is the goal of the library to achieve and maintain a ranking in the top ten in per capita rankings for each service area among North Carolina county libraries.
A library that offers Local History and Genealogy service addresses people's desire to know and better understand their personal or community heritage.
The library will provide a significant collection of materials and other resources that chronicle the history of the community or \region in which the library is located. Family histories and genealogical research tools are provided. The library will provide the equipment required to read, print, and copy all formats in which information is supplied. The library will be actively involved in borrowing and lending historical and genealogical resources witty other local regional and national libraries and historical societies. The library may maintain special collections of historical interest including photos and archival materials. The library may digitize these collections and provide computer access to them. Staff knowledgeable in genealogical and historical research methods and in archival and records management will be available to assist library users with their research. Electronic resources including Internet access may be provided.
The New Hanover County P8ublic Library is located in downtown Wilmington, NC and serves a population of nearly 150,000 through a Main Library, three branches, and a law library. A staff of 45 including 13 librarians serves the public. The library serves a diverse population including a high percentage of retirees attracted to the mild climate and cultural opportunities.
Because of the rich history of the Cape Fear area, an emphasis by the NHCPL on local history and genealogy was logical. Retirees from the area and those from other parts of the country are principle users of the local history room. However, significant use of the collection is made by all segments of the community.
To maintain an archival and historical record of New Hanover County and its people.
- Acquiring print materials related to the Cape Fear region
- Developing an image archive of the area
- Providing programs dealing with the history of Wilmington and the Cape Fear
- Publishing genealogical and historical material
- Developing an in-depth genealogical collection
- Maintaining the collection according to archival standards
- Providing Internet access to special collections
- Assisting patrons in the use of the collections
- Securing materials not available locally on interlibrary loan
- Conducting orientations to the collection for groups and members of the public
- Maintaining appropriate indices and clipping files for research
Currently two staff members (a librarian II and a library associate) are assigned to the room. In addition, professional staff helps on weekends and on evenings. The collection is housed in a 2,000 square foot room with seating for approximately 20. The collection consists of over 9,000 volumes. Complete runs of the local newspapers are available on microfilm. Librarian has an office and volunteers use a workroom. Programs are held in the library's large meeting room seating 100. Microfilm readers and reader/printers are located in the LHER. Likewise computers for CD ROM products and Internet access are available. A photocopier is provided for public use.
Because of the extensive use of these collections, it has been essential that the library develop significant working relationships with community organizations. Volunteers from the Friends of the Library and the Old New Hanover Genealogical Association is used on a daily basis to provide clerical support and to assist users of the collection. Strong links have been developed with other related cultural organizations such as the Cape Fear Museum and Wilmington Histo4rica Foundation in order to share information and resources. Such collaboration has resulted in some significant donations of material to the LHR.
The funding for LHRE comes from several sources - county, internally generated, gifts, and grants. County funding pays for the staffing and basic operation of the room. The other three sources are used to provide funds for unusual acquisitions for special projects. Gifts and revenue from publishing efforts generally provide as much support as the $5,000 appropriated locally. Grant funds have allowed for some special projects such as printing a local history book and digitizing a portion of the image collection.
Traditional methods of measuring service use apply to the LHR (e.g., reference transactions, interlibrary loan requests filled, program attendance, number of acquisitions and publications, user satisfaction studies, and door count).Recently, we have seen greater use by the African American community of the collection as they explore their family history and their community history. Other trends include an increased emphasis by the school system on state and local history resulting in greater use by that segment of the population. Some significant accomplishments this year were: the publication of a history on the African American community in Wilmington; the purchase of a civil war campaign map; the digitizing of the Fales slide collection; a series of programs on the cultural geography of the Cape Fear, and the compilations of a photograph album for the year 1997 in New Hanover County.
11/10/98
