Four Things You May Not Know About Libraries

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1. The world wide web isn’t the only network

Many don’t realize that some libraries are linked by networks to other libraries within and outside the U.S. Librarians can acquire foreign materials for and select materials from other collection in order to keep resources current, relevant and credible. As long as the resources are returned, the service can usually be completed within a few weeks after a request goes out.

2. A treasure trove of knowledge

All bibliographic and documentary whatever their material support, where are seized or form of acquisition. Books are typically the only resource touted by libraries. These great institutions also contain paper journals, electronic journals, maps, DVDs, etc. Don’t just use Google!

3. Always have a back-up…

Barring public holidays, libraries usually keep hours that are convenient to the average student. Even if only to utilize the free Wi-Fi (should your dorm’s go down), campus libraries and public libraries serve as a perfect haven to finish that last-minute research paper.

4.Staff specifically trained to help you

Who can you turn to in the library? Depending on the size of the facility, a library can have as many as ten assistants and technicians who know their work-spaces inside and out and are happy to guide you to the resources you require. They don’t just sort books all day…

Library Innovation with Dear Reader

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There are several technological innovations which could make libraries more readily accessible and easier to use for all citizens.

An automated sorting system could offer librarians the opportunity and flexibility to spend more time with patrons and carry on more value-added tasks. There are a range of solutions for all library settings. On a shoestring budget with minimal space to complex sorting systems,there are solutions to meet a library’s needs. Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)-banded items being feed through a belt system automatically process returned items and lay them in the right place, without impacting the precious time of their employees.

This particular innovation has several benefits for the public: empowerment, confidentiality and better regulation of transactions. The staff is also relieved of the time-consuming tasks related to loaning out books and book returns which reduces handling operations and can thus focus on more rewarding tasks such as public reception and assistance, for example.

Because of its many advantages, the RFID could replace some anti-theft systems, such as electromagnetic sensors. Some companies offer turnkey RFID solutions to libraries for the protection and management of their inventories.  If books can be tracked within every inch of the library, they can certainly be tracked as they leave the confines of the library without being registered.
A concept that is not entirely new, but has increased the reach of public libraries nationwide are mobile services like a “book bus.” These services should be expanded and bolstered by awareness posts on social media. Rural areas could benefit immensely from knowing exactly when the book bus is coming through the nearest intersection. Kids already get excited for ice cream trucks with potential new flavors. Why not get them excited to experience new knowledge?

Gotta love your library!

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With the emergence of electronic documentation, the question is raised for the need of libraries. But isn’t everything is online? Everything (all information, all knowledge, all the assets, all the ideas, thoughts, opinions, etc.) is accessible from anywhere. So why preserve, develop, evolve these archaic institutions of another age?

1. Books weren’t always what they used to be.

The library that we are most familiar with today, a public or academic institution, that lends out books for free is a product of the democratization of knowledge. In the old days, books weren’t always so affordable, and private libraries, or book clubs, were a privilege of the rich. More public libraries popped up as a result of government programs.  There were over 200 libraries created every year since the 1800’s.

2. Some books aren’t available all of the time.

In spite of what you may think, not everything is online. It is already prohibited by federal law to make copyrighted books fully accessible through Google Book search. Add to that all the subscription-based services which are out of reach for most poor college students.  College and some public libraries pay subscription fees en masse for the cumulative benefit of the campus or community.

3. The internet doesn’t ALWAYS have everything.

The internet is a great resource to finding information, but it’s not a complete replacement for libraries nationwide. However, gathering  “factoids” and  “info-snacking” can be done much more efficiently online than by physically grabbing dozens of volumes of various milieus and looking through them. The fact is this: libraries are different than the web, but not completely inferior.

4. Gotta love your library!

We are not quite ready to abandon the library. Libraries can adapt to social and technological changes, but they can’t be fully replaced. While libraries are distinct from the internet, librarians are the most well-versed professionals to guide students, citizens, and educators toward a better understanding of how to find valuable information. Indeed, a lot of information is on the internet. Rather than lope blindly through the digital age, guided only by corporate interests, society should foster a community of guides. Today, libraries and their staff are essential for the preservation and development of our culture.