Invest in a Maker Space, add staff, or buy more books? Determining how best to use limited funds to get the greatest return has plagued libraries since the newest technology was the phonograph. How do we balance the need to serve new users in new ways when we don’t have the funds to take care of our traditional users in the traditional ways they expect -- i.e. buy more books?
Join three leading public library directors as they share the math they use to balance this equation in their communities. This session will provide three dynamic visions of how the communities of Hillsboro, OR; Delaware County, OH; and Charleston, SC are balancing the demands of the new while delivering services to everyday readers. They will share the challenges they are facing, where they think public libraries are headed and where readers’ advisory service fits in their 21st century libraries.
They will also give you hints about how to win approval (and funding) of your ideas for enhancing your readers' access to and enjoyment of books.
Resources from the presentation:
Panelists
Stephanie Chase is Director of the Hillsboro (OR) Public Library. Prior to Hillsboro, Stephanie coordinated service strategies to libraries for BiblioCommons and was the Director of Library Programs and Services for The Seattle Public Library, heading the division responsible for circulation, information, and library services, programming, and outreach to all ages, as well as the collection and materials movement. In addition, Stephanie has served as the Reference and Adult Services Coordinator for the Multnomah County Library as as the director for several libraries in Vermont and New Hampshire.
Nicolle Davies serves as the Executive Director for the Charleston County Public Library, currently serving the residents of Charleston County with 250 employees, 16 locations and a bookmobile. Prior to joining CCPL, Nicolle served as the Executive Director for Arapahoe Libraries, a public library system serving the residents of Arapahoe County, Colorado.
George Needham is Director of the Delaware County District Library in Delaware, Ohio. A graduate of the University at Buffalo for both his bachelor’s and MLS degrees, George has been involved in libraries since the 1970s as a reference librarian, branch manager, technologist, state librarian, and association executive. A frequent speaker at library events, George has also written several articles, contributed chapters to three books, and reviewed hundreds of books, audiobooks, DVDs and other materials for Library Journal, Booklist, The Columbus Dispatch, and AudioFile. His sole brush with non-library fame came as a two-time Jeopardy! champion in December, 1994.
Moderator
Duncan Smith, co-founder and general manager at NoveList