Category Archives: Public Libraries

A Perfect Marriage: Libraries and Voter Info

Posted on October 10, 2012 by cbecker53

It’s October 10, and the fact that Election Day is November 6 is much on my mind. One of the most important things libraries can do is inform citizens about their important right and duty: voting.   There are many ways … Continue reading →

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Bringing the Library to Your Home!

Posted on October 5, 2012 by cbecker53

I spent last week in Minnesota with my mother and sister; much of the week was actually spent in the hospital in Rochester, because my 91-year-old mother had some kind of incident, probably a very tiny stroke or seizure.  She … Continue reading →

Posted in Customer Service, Elderly, Library in Community, Persons with Disabilities, Public Libraries | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

What Makes a Good Library Professional?

Posted on October 2, 2012 by cbecker53

I’ve been helping out with a public library system director search process.  I love hiring and interviewing; I don’t know why, I just do.  This process has gone very well, partly because of a very good committee. Anyway, we’ve had … Continue reading →

Posted in Communication, Customer Service, Decision-making, Employees, Hiring, Leadership, Management, Public Libraries, Recruitment, Selection, Strategic Planning | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Help Your Users Protect their Identity

Posted on September 10, 2012 by cbecker53

The Public Library Association (PLA) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) are partnering to share information on identity theft and identity protection.  From the cover letter the FTC sent to PLA members:  “Everything we produce is in the public domain:  … Continue reading →

Posted in Library Programs, Public Libraries | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Every Reader Her Book

Posted on September 7, 2012 by cbecker53

Reading Jennifer Burek Pierce’s An Old Friend in the Library (American Libraries, August 2012) brings to mind my 91-year-old mother, and how she is no longer really able to use her public library.  It also brings to mind Ranganathan’s Five Laws … Continue reading →

Posted in Customer Service, Elderly, Policies, Public Libraries | Tagged , , , , | 7 Comments

Labor Day Musings

Posted on September 2, 2012 by cbecker53

  Labor Day weekend, 2012.  Amid festivities, celebrations, and sentiments, I’m taking time to reflect on the holiday.  All those years that I was working, I confess it was just another day to be glad of the day off with … Continue reading →

Posted in Economy, Labor Day, Labor Unions, Library Funding, Public Libraries | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

Policies for the Good of the User, not Just the Library

Posted on August 29, 2012 by cbecker53

Although the article “A Tale of Two Students” (American Libraries) is about schools, it could just as easily be about public libraries.  It contains two scenarios about school acceptable use policies. In one scenario, Michael learned about appropriate online conduct, … Continue reading →

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Why Support Your Local Library?

Posted on August 27, 2012 by cbecker53

A wonderful site called StateStats has created an amazing infographic.  Statistics illustrated include: unemployment rates libraries providing internet access libraries providing help for students decreasing library budgets advantages of free library services and MORE!! Do check it out.

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Library as Post Office–A New Opportunity for Partnering?

Posted on August 22, 2012 by cbecker53

  So perhaps you’ve heard about a new initiative from the United State Postal Service called the Village Post Office (VPO) program.  It allows businesses, convenience stores, and libraries to offer limited postal service. “This lets the town keep its … Continue reading →

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Can we Save Public Libraries?

Posted on August 19, 2012 by cbecker53

  I recently posted about how libraries have changed and improved, and my feeling that although library funding may be threatened in the current economy and political climate, we must not allow them to go backward.   Yesterday I encountered … Continue reading →

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