[Web4lib] Request for your great ideas!

[Louise Alcorn]

Please excuse cross-posting - I want to gather as much data as possible.

 
I want to highlight your brilliance!
 
Recently, you may have seen stories in the local and national media
about libraries responding to the economic downturn.  I've watched these
pieces with increasing pride for our profession.  I've known for years
that librarians - in all types of libraries - are responsive to their
communities and are often remarkably creative in their responses - but
also rather quiet about their successes.   Communities of all types are
in need of more help now than ever.  I want to find out what, exactly,
we (libraries/library staff) are doing to respond to these needs and the
overall downturn. 
 
To this end, I'm doing some research on *creative responses to the
economic downturn by libraries* for a book for Information Today.  I've
been gathering stories from libraries via direct contacts, but now want
to cast a wider net.  I would love to hear from you.  
 
Please respond directly to me at this email.  
 
What I'd like to hear about (not limited to...):
 
1)  new programs you are offering - e.g. job searching, resume-building
or interviewing workshops, coupon-cutting and budgeting workshops,
computer skills, etc.  All ages, all types of libraries.  Example:  one
tiny library got great response to their new "homegrown and home-made"
programming, matching local artisans/hobbyists with interested patrons.
A community college library did a series of job fairs, partnering with
local economic development.  
 
2)  new aspects to your websites, blogs, or other online resources
pointing patrons to job sites, budget sites, local resources (food
stamps, etc.) and so forth.  Essentially, how are you getting the word
out to your patrons, to connect them to resources and help them survive
this downturn?  
 
3)  new PR efforts - both large AND small - to let your community know
that the Library is where all of the above and more can be found - often
for free!  This includes via the Web, in person, in print, handouts,
bookmarks, the whole schmear.  
 
4) creative staffing, budgeting and other monetary responses - we've
always been good at doing more with less, but we're facing some unique
challenges now, including increased use of our resources. We're also
getting more savvy about fundraising - have you partnered with your
Friends to raise awareness and/or funds for special projects, general
operating expenses, outside resources (speakers, etc.) or similar?  
 
5)  partnering - I'm particularly interested in libraries who have
created strategic partnerships with local organizations, groups and
others - perhaps with your college career development office; with
another department to raise awareness of volunteer opportunities
throughout your city; with local businesses to address employment needs;
and so forth.   
 
This is beyond "case studies".  I really want to hear the good, the bad
and the ugly - tell me what did NOT work, too!  Also both large and
small - even tiny projects can make a huge difference to patrons and
staff.  
 
My plan is to gather, synthesize and present a number of these great
ideas (and the challenges), along with helpful resources, further
information, etc.  I've long believed that our greatest superpower is
our ability to develop, share and adapt creative ideas to suit our
patrons.  
 
I'd love to hear what you're doing - or if you've heard other libraries'
great ideas, but know they're too shy to share (I will contact them
separately).  If I use your library's ideas in the final publication, I
will, of course, give full attribution as you prefer.   I believe in
giving all brilliance its due!  
 
Many thanks in advance - and thanks to everyone for the work you do each
day.  
 
Louise

Louise E. Alcorn
Reference Technology Librarian
West Des Moines Public Library
4000 Mills Civic Pkwy
West Des Moines IA 50265
(515) 222-3573      louise.alcorn at wdm-ia.com
http://www.wdmlibrary.org <http://www.wdmlibrary.org/>