[WEB4LIB] Re: Predictions for the next...

Peter Schoenberg PSchoenberg at publib.edmonton.ab.ca
Thu Jan 4 11:12:44 EST 2001


The idea of the "shrinking of public libraries" needs to be challenged.   It
could become a self-fulfilling prophecy.   If the people that give us the
money keep hearing that libraries are shrinking the same thing will happen
to our budgets.

Public libraries need to actively promote a positive message, that
highlights the new services and resources now available in addition to the
traditional print resources.   If we fail into the trap of repeating this
"shrinking" idea instead of challenging it we become our own worst enemies.


(Shrinkage was only funny on Seinfeld - not when it happens to budgets,
services and community support)

Just my opinion.
__________________________________________________
Peter Schoenberg            
Manager - Virtual Library Services - Edmonton Public Library
pschoenberg at publib.edmonton.ab.ca     tel: (780) 496 1855


-----Original Message-----
From: Drew, Bill [mailto:drewwe at snymorva.morrisville.EDU]
Sent: Thursday, January 04, 2001 8:02 AM
To: Multiple recipients of list
Subject: [WEB4LIB] Re: Predictions for the next...


>importance of expertise in that field. Even as public 
>libraries continue to shrink,

Where is the idea that public libraries are shrinking coming from?  I think
the case is actually that they are growing.
What are the actual statistics on the library use by the public?  

The public library system for my home county (Tompkins County, New York)
just moved into a completely refurbished and redesigned old Woolworth Store
in Ithaca, NY.  I was there Tuesday morning and it was a lot busier than I
ever remember the old library being.

___________________ 
Wilfred (Bill) Drew 
Associate Librarian, Systems and Reference 
SUNY Morrisville College Library 
drewwe at morrisville.edu <mailto:drewwe at morrisville.edu>  
Home: http://www.morrisville.edu/~drewwe/ 
Not Just Cows: http://www.morrisville.edu/~drewwe/njc/ 
Library: http://www.morrisville.edu/library/ 
Have Laptop -- Will Travel.
"The early bird may get the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese!" --
Author Unknown


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