Reading Journal 1/31

Bottoming Out? By Michael Kelley

Kelley breaks down some of the numbers and statistics presented by the Library Journal’s annual budget survey.

One thing that stood out in Kelley’s article was his reporting that nearly 1 in 5 of the respondents to his survey actually said they felt they were treated unfairly in relation to other government sectors. This is one of the worst statistics listed in here, I believe, as it shows the most terrible reason for libraries to suffer. While not desirable, I have to say that libraries should not be immune to budget cuts as long as the rest of the state/local government is seeing its fair share as well. Kelley also quotes Cathleen Russ from the Troy Public Library about how libraries are no longer “sacred cows,” which I agree with. However, in some ways, I think it’s healthier to always view these institutions in that light, even when the economy is good, because becoming comfortable fosters complacency. Librarians need to always be proving to their officials that when budget cuts come around, they are not an easy target. Hopefully her own library keeps this attitude as a later ballot measure actually allowed the library to remain open. I would also be curious to see a follow up of how many districts had no budget cuts in FY11, given that nearly 30% didn’t in FY10, which seems like one of the more positive numbers amongst all the bleakness.



Performing Triage on Budgets in the RED by Thomas Hennen

Following the dot-com bust in the early 2000s, Hennen examines why libraries have been going strong for generations and ways they can ensure that legacy continues in the future.

Even though the specific circumstances are somewhat dated, Hennen’s advice for libraries to be proactive is still sound. It was interesting to see how firmly he referred to libraries as “businesses” after my Youth Services class discussed how long librarians resisted that terminology, but how that change in views helped libraries become more transparent and stable about a decade ago. My favorite suggestion was the e-commerce initiatives, which libraries still don’t seem to have implemented widely. I know there are probably legal issues to overcome, but Friends groups especially should look to use web donations. My hometown library at least has an Amazon.com widget on their website that has a link to a list of items they want donated or sends a portion of any purchases patrons make through their link to the library.



Vote of Confidence by Beth Dempsey

Dempsey gives an overview of the support of library operating measures and denial of building measures during the 2010 election before giving advice to other libraries on how to get their referendums passed.

I finished this article feeling as if the advice Dempsey gave on the last page or so was solid. A consistent message among everyone speaking for the library (48) is certainly a must, which is unlikely to happen if managers are not actively seeking this goal. There is also value in engaging in a dialogue with the community about what services would be missed or what is worth funding. This raises awareness among librarians, but also makes the community think about why they appreciate the library’s services.

That said, I feel like this article was heavily overshadowed by political bias. Dempsey clearly places most of the failure rate on the tea party and, to a somewhat lesser extent, the lousy economy. My problem with this is that she ignores her own tables. The 2010 passage rate for operations (87%) is the highest in the last decade according to Table 4. Apart from 2000, when the passage rate was 92%, this is even the highest passage rate since 1995 despite there being 220 of them, significantly more than any other year ever (Gold). The building referendums did take a huge hit in only passing at a rate of 55%. However, it was only 52% in 2005, long before the economy soured or the tea party formed, and 60% in 2002. Dempsey even admits in the opening paragraph that the average amounts of the building requests more than doubled from 2009 to 2010, which would also add to the failure rate.

My main reason for even bringing this up, is that libraries are not going to win any allies by blaming and alienating a block of their voters. A majority of people on both sides of the political spectrum believe libraries are a good thing. Instead of going into elections with the negative mindset of defeating those opposed, it would be much healthier for libraries to view it as a time to win more supporters for their causes. For some it's showing fair and open access; for others, it's showing frugality and good stewardship with the funds they reluctantly give. But with very few exceptions, most voters are favorable toward keeping their library open, even if new or renovated buildings are denied.

Gold, Anne M. "Library Referenda 2004: The Good Fight." Library Journal 130.515 Mar. (2005). Web. 28 Jan. 2012. .

Week 4 Readings

Bottoming Out

Michael Kelley

This article looked at the declining budgets allotted to library services, the danger of privatization, and the possible adaptations libraries need to do to remain relevant.

I could clearly see the effect of budget cuts on my own library in Des Moines, Iowa.  Although I was hired after the damage had been done, my own position as a substitute was a direct response to the loss of several jobs.  It was far cheaper to hire me and have me sub on the busiest days, paid less because of my lack of master’s degree, than to keep the several librarians they had before.    Staff were also forced to take furlough days and reduce hours at all of the libraries.  The smaller branches in the poorer parts of town were the most drastically effective.  In lieu of closing one branch, two libraries shared a single staff-set and were open on alternate days.  This led to confusion for both staff and patrons.

My own view for the future of libraries is optimistic.  As the generational change sweeps the buildings, I think that the tactics and technology will both change.  To my mind, marketing will be a major role in our survival.  Not only do we need to remind users we are open and offer services they need/want for free, but we also need to bring the waning funding of libraries to light.  I don’t think many people are even aware they are in trouble.

Kelley’s article quotes librarians who believe that the political conservatives  and radical right wing voters are a danger to libraries. I don’t necessarily think that this is true, but I can see how privatization would damage the quality of library service, just as the monopoly on book sales has damaged the selection availability with the rise of Barnes and Noble.  It would be a frightening future, if all our resources were provided through one vendor.

I do think that service quality is already declining in some ways because of the cross training of library staff  and the increasing use of volunteers.  As my library stated in an interview with the city newspaper.  When you use volunteers to perform the same tasks your librarian would have performed, you lose confidentiality, professional search skills, ability to discern authoritative resources, and much more. The possible exception is when the volunteers are library students themselves, as at MCPL.

PERFORMING TRIAGE ON BUDGETS IN THE R*E*D

Hennen, Jr.

This article was far more hopeful than Kelley’s.  It provided solutions to the failing library budgets that seemed reasonable and easy to implement for the most part.  Rather than just saying “stay relevant” and “utilize new technology”, as so many articles do, it promotes community action.

I think my favorite “tool” was the suggestion of pooling resources and coming together as more of a whole than splintered parts.  Libraries, as an overall institution, need people to speak for them and manage overall issues better.  I think (as I mentioned previously), marketing will be a big help with that.

I also agreed with the idea of allowing web donations, though there were aspects of that and impact fees that went over my head.  Some of the ideas presented here would require more business savvy minds than mine to comprehend.

Vote of Confidence

Dempsey, B

This article discussed how taxpayers trust and value libraries.  I found this somewhat at odds with the lowering funding, but perhaps that means it is mostly political/governmental issues our libraries face as opposed to user dissatisfaction.

I liked that Dempsey emphasizes the importance of backing up user trust in libraries.  It is important that they be able to trust us and our use of their money as beneficial to them and/or their communities.  Dempsey points out that this trust is affirmed because our values are shown through tangible output, such as programming and technical services.  Communication is also viewed as important to user trust of libraries.  Our response to their changing needs and values is just as vital as adhering to our own.

This is not the first article we’ve read to refer to the “friends of the library” and how instrumental they are in our success.  Not only do they manage donations, sales, and voicing library needs, but they also come up with new ways of collaborating with the community.

Readings Journal 1/31

 

Bottoming Out by Michael Kelley

This article discusses the Library Journal’s annual budget survey for 2010.  The article mentions implications budget cuts have had on various libraries and the hope for an increased budget in 2011.

I found this article to be very interesting and informational.  I especially enjoyed the graphs and tables that were present throughout the article.  The graphs and tables did a great job of putting the impact of budget cuts in easy to understand terms.  The thing that surprised me the most in this article is that different areas of the country have very different views on how important libraries are.  I also found it interesting that the article discussed a few ways to help ensure that your budget doesn’t get cut.  These included staying relevant to the community and advocating for your library, both of which we have discussed in class as being very important.  This article made me very curious to see if the 2011 budgets did increase overall as was predicted in this article.

Vote of Confidence by Beth Dempsey

This article discusses referenda pertaining to voters entrusting their tax dollars to libraries.  The article delves into ways libraries can receive more votes.

I really enjoyed this article.  I thought it talked about many interesting issues such as the survey showing that people trust librarians over many other organizations or individuals.  However, I think that the most important thing this article mentions is the importance of marketing your library.  This is an issue that has come to the forefront recently and been discussed in many articles such as “Reinventing Libraries for the Next Generation of Library Users” by La Loria Konata (2009).  In that article, Konata discusses the increased need for advocating the relevancy of libraries in order to compete in the information environment of the world today.  In a sense, this is what Dempsey is talking about in her article.  Dempsey explains the importance of advocating your library to the community so they understand the importance of a library and so when a referendum about the library comes up, voters will vote for the library. 

Konata, L. L. (2009). Reinventing libraries for the next generation of library users.

Georgia Library Quarterly, 46(4), 17-20.

Performing Triage of Budgets in the R*E*D* by Thomas J. Hennen Jr.

This article talks about the many public libraries that are facing budget cuts.  The article explains five tools libraries can use to get out of the red.

Although this article covers a pretty depressing topic, libraries having to close or take other drastic measures because of budget cuts, it made me feel good.  Multiple times the article mentions how pressure from the public restored budget cuts, or how the public’s support of libraries has kept libraries alive during the worst times.  I always enjoy hearing how the public loves libraries so I enjoyed that section of the article.  On the other hand, I found the tools that this article mentions a little difficult to follow.  Many of them seemed a little far-fetched such as the E-commerce initiative.  However, this might be because I didn’t really understand what the author meant.  I think these tools could have been explained much better so that everybody could understand.

Brewer, Unit 4/Week of Jan. 31, 2012

1.       Performing Triage on Budgets in the Red by Hennen Jr.

Thomas addressed business plan and providing what the public demands and feels is a good value, budget and respected.  He shared examples of suggested cuts and public reaction. Hennen suggested cost effective mergers and consolidation plans as I reference below in summary.  I did not support the suggested “impact fees” on newly built homes …feeling this should come from community support system and partnerships…keeping relevant campaigns for tax dollars and donations.

2.       Vote of Confidence by Dempsey

I noticed this article for 2011 suggested improvement…but to be creative, utilize resources, being on target with local officials and campaigns could not be emphasized enough…and I agree.  There were several statistics shared of budgets and results… building worth and respected trust in your management and oversight of funding would provide great results.  Good market research was attributed to the success of a library, while listening to community and take advantage of various media tools to draw in community.

3.       Bottoming Out by Kelley

This 2011 article addressed FY10 results and projections for FY11.  I was surprised 3036 public libraries received surveys..and only 647 responded.  Times are too challenging and the future depends on this collective information much as university experienced in benchmarking and special reports.  Importance of technology was addressed and importance to the public.  Russ emphasized how nothing is sure anymore…you have to accept…put on your boots and move forward meeting the challenges.  Outsourcing is mentioned which we experience at the university …. though this particular example did not turn out well, this resource is growing and improving and consideration for alternative.  The article closed quoting Mullen from Santa Monica basically expressing libraries will evolve…. you can join and enjoy while finding positive and exciting.

This week was very interesting to me.  I relate to much of our reading and my work for the university in financial challenges we faced and addressed the last four years in particular.  We have been heavily involved in benchmarking studies, surveys and reports requested by President McRobbie and the Board of Trustees.  Important changes we had to understand and accept… general funds being handed to us by the state….is most likely never coming back.  Even when the economy does improve….operating the old ways …are gone and  funding will be utilized differently to meet  expectations for community, students, faculty/staff, university officials and state/federal governments.  Some of the changes we addressed:  decreased general funds, transitioning to auxiliary with ability to grow from “red” to “black” and solvent.  Use extreme tools, monitoring , surveying/researching while forming partnerships.  I noticed similar trends while reading…one of our most important lessons… to follow demand, messages of the community and leaders for universities and government.  In correlation we had to realize we could not be “everything to everybody”, finding what our true mission was  for our clients and strategic  goals of community/government.  Like in readings,  we found our  “districts” determining “who” would provide “what” services, combining efforts providing stronger ability and case for funding  we still receive…proving our worth and value.  Many services throughout campuses are being centralized with major adjustments.  Understanding through surveys, research and benchmarking processes  …. told an overall picture.

I read similar trends with libraries as each location may not provide a full service, instead needing to listen, providing what is truly demanded.  As the articles suggested we pay attention to social media and emerging technologies, evolving to provide and meet challenges.

Week 4 Readings

Vote of Confidence by Beth Dempsey

Though there have been gains within the library world, there have been just as many losses. Beth Dempsey discusses the importance of the library being present within a community. While a part of the community, the library must then become a force that is positive and strong to resist the budget losses that are taking place.

In my reference class last semester, there was a lecture about the library and where it stands in today’s society. I felt the comment Dempsey makes about reliability of the librarian was especially important because that is why people go to the library. They know the people they interact with will be reliable and meet their needs to the best of their ability. Therefore, to communicate, listen, and present reliable and accurate information is important because that is part of what makes people come back in the future.

Performance Triage on Budgets in the Red by Thomas J. Hennen Jr.

The article by Thomas J. Hennen Jr. presents tools and alternatives for the saving of the library budget. There are numerous tools presented, as well as a few anecdotes to emphasize a point presented within the article.

I think the biggest thing the article suggests is to communicate. We already have the knowledge, but it’s the implementation of the knowledge that’s important. I believe the stress placed on the ability to convey thoughts is especially important because it becomes the core of how to interact with the library, not just in the budget. By having a strong foundation based on communication, future problems can be eliminated before they even happen. For example, a budget change is going to be in effect in the near future, the discussion prior to the implementation is important so that there are no surprises.

Bottoming Out by Michael Kelley

Michael Kelley discusses the budget deficit many libraries have encountered over the last few years. Presenting a lot of data, the argument becomes, “What is to happen to the public library?”

From the discussions in class over the past semester, there has been an ongoing theme of where the library stands in the changing economy. Specifically, what to do with the public and their perceptions of what the library stands for in the community. I also felt there was a great deal of application of what Kelley is writing about in the PowerPoint discussed in class. The statistics and the importance placed on where the library stands in the public perception. I think the emphasis placed on how to positively impact the community through Facebook stories, blogs, and other community builders are also useful for informing the public. By having more outreach people will be better informed and improve chances of getting funds in the future.

readings for 1/31

With all of these readings I thought about a quote that got repeated a lot in my intellectual freedom seminar. something along the lines of, we should celebrate when we pay our taxes, because collectively we can supply so much more then we can as individuals. MCPL has $30,000 (I swear I heard that once- but that sounds low) of books on it's shelves, nobody (besides, maybe, John Cougar Mellencamp) in Bloomington can provide that for themselves or their children. I wish this was a more commonly championed idea in America, there are many things in America, besides just libraries, that need oh so much funding.

Bottoming Out: When reading this article I kept thinking about the power point presentation done by OCLC about who went to the library and what they thought of it. In times when more individuals have fallen on hard times and are using the library more, the library funding is getting cut at exponential rates. It really seems like libraries do a bad job at advocating for themselves about what vital resources they are.  During a rescission it seems like a place where free services, should as GED classes, job searching help, and just books and wifi, should be a place where the government should be putting more funds. It was very interesting to find out that the midwest is one the best places to be a library right now (no coast like no coast)!

Performing Triage on Budgets in the R*E*D: I found this article extremely dated (which is a bit intense as it was only written in 2003), it's focus on dotcom was pretty irrelevant to todays technical landscape. Especially when it suggested that states were leery of libraries diving into technical advancement due to to the dotcom bubble bursting, the rapid advent of technology since the early 00's has made it necessary for any organization constantly stay on top of electronic interfacing with clients and potential clients. However I got a lot more excited about the article once it started suggesting tools libraries could use to save their budgets. Some of them I found very dynamic like the idea of regional or state wide librarian budget problem solving team or "pooling resources." I found the one about foundations quite confusing (any insight would be helpful). And I enjoyed the suggestion that we should be protesting to keep libraries well funded- while he clearly doesn't know what direct action means- I think fighting for state sponsored social programs is pretty darn important.

Vote of Confidence: I found this article somewhat flat, it showed me victories and defeats in the introduction, and explained ways to have victories in the middle and end, but didn't connect the two. Like the Cromaine District Library, which was supposedly very popular, but got destroyed by efforts of the tea party, if it was popular how did that happen? Where are the downfalls in the lack of mobilization that community in the support of the library? Are things happening now to try and get the library back? Or was it not REALLy popular? I found all the examples in the beginning of the article to be intriguing, and wish they tied into the examples of how to fight and save libraries that made up the meat of the article.

Week 4 Readings

Bottoming Out

This article discusses the responses of various libraries to a survey about their budgets. Most respondents said that they had had their budgets decreased in FY10, and some also had to cut stuff, but there was cautious optimism from some libraries that their budgets for FY11 would see some kind of increase.

It was a bit worrying to read about the budget and staff cuts that various libraries have had to make in recent years, but it is good to know that libraries are (were?) optimistic about FY11. There seemed to be a feeling that libraries that were strongly integrated into and involved with their community were the ones who had less drastic budget cuts. Not that there weren't cuts, of course, just that they also had community support behind them.

Vote of Confidence

This article talks about the importance of engaging your community and clearly communicating the services and impact of the library, if libraries want to be able to convince voters to support them.

I thought this article made a good point about researching your community in order to find the best ways to convince them to support the library, and communicating the library's impact on the community in terms that are more easily understood than just numbers. When I read the 'Bottoming Out' article, I was surprised to see that the Troy Public Library had been forced to close, because I've always thought of Troy as one of the better-off Detroit suburbs, and it was strange to think that a community that could afford to keep the library open wouldn't, but it makes more sense if, as Dempsey says, the voters were confused about the library's funding and impact.

Performing Triage on Budgets in the R*E*D

This article also discusses the importance of gaining community support for libraries, as well as going over a few strategies libraries can use to keep their budgets out of the red, including resource pooling, e-commerce initiatives and direct political action.

This article seemed strangely old to me, even though it was written in 2003, but I guess in technology-years, that's ancient history. Even though the technology the author was talking about has been replaced by other technological concerns for libraries, I think that the points he made about ways to help library budgets are still relevant, especially his point about direct action. I mean, I don't know if there need to be protests in the street, but being more vocal about supporting libraries can't be a bad thing. I'm sure most of us have been told at least once that libraries will be replaced by the Internet (something else that has apparently not changed since 2003), but if libraries can effectively market their services, more people might realize that it really isn't just a place for old, dusty books.

All three of these articles seemed (to me, at least) to emphasize the idea that libraries need to better communicate their importance. The statistics we looked at last week, about the various services libraries provide and how much they are valued by the people who use them, are a good example of how libraries can benefit the community, but if people don't actually know about what we do, why would they give us money?