210 likes | 330 Views
Dr. Ken Haycock. Dual Use Libraries: Guidelines for Success. Where’s the Beef?.
E N D
Dr. Ken Haycock Dual Use Libraries: Guidelines for Success
Where’s the Beef? • Combined libraries have been studied extensively for more than 30 years. Common advantages and disadvantages have been identified, together with typical problems. From the work of researchers in three countries, predictors of success have been identified for joint-use ventures.
Definition • A common physical facility from which library services are provided to two ostensibly different communities of users • Dual use library • School-housed public library • Joint-use library • Combined library • Community library • Co-located libraries
Cooperation • Courtesy (class visits) • Specific services/groups (home work centers) • Formal cooperation (joint programs) • Formal Collaboration (partners plan/assess)
Models • Common: Combined public (secular, tax-supported) school , more commonly high school, in smaller communities • Becoming more common: academic/public • Various physical and access configurations
Perceived Advantages • Improved collections, resources, services, hours • Less duplication • Focal point for community • Better use of public funds
Possible Disadvantages • Location • Fewer Adults • Fewer Students from Other Schools • Instructional Issues • Crowding • Censorship
Common Problems • Conflicting Purposes/Bodies/Missions • Formal/informal • Role Conflict • Qualifications/Benefits/Schedules • Location/Context/Low Use • Governance/Management – Boundaries • Responsibilities/Assessment • Security for Children
Ten Predictors of Success 1. Population Base 2. Formal Planning 3. Legal Agreement 4. Board 5. Integrated Facility 6. Connected 7. School Support 8. One Leader 9. Communication 10. Unrestricted Access
Population Served • Less than 10,000 • Some suggest less than 3,500 • Mainly rural historically
Formal Planning Process • Before opening • Comprehensive; involved the stakeholders • Strategic; environmental scan • Roles/ responsibilities • Time, money available • Who does what? When? • Choies, options on the table • Shared vision results
Written Legal Agreement • Governance (e.g., policy-setting) • Administration (e.g., ownership, reporting) • Finance (e.g., maintenance) • Operations (e.g., performance measures, security) • Including guidelines for evaluation and dissolution…
Decision-making Board • Or Management Committee • Overall framework • Develops policies and procedures • Selects and evaluates director • To whom report? School principal? “Downtown”?
Integrated Facility • Conveniently located • Visibly located • Accommodates variety of groups and resources • Separate area for adults • Exterior/interior entrances • Designated parking near entrance • Form and function…
Connected to Larger Entity • Network, regional system or consortium • Enhances electronic resources/ licences • Professional development and training • Advice/support
Support • School principal desires success • Criterion in hiring and transfers • Beyond the beginning… • Teachers support the concept • Role of principal in leadership
Leadership • One highly motivated professional in charge • Issue of qualifications • Flexible, adaptable • Understands environments • Understands networking, advocacy and marketing; critical for success
Communication and Cooperation • Regular communication and planned cooperation between public library and school staff(s) • Pressure and support to collaborate • Strategic plans • Annual reports • Recommendations for improvement
Unfettered Access • No restrictions on access • No restrictions on circulation of materials • Issue of appropriate use of technology • Issue of “filtering”
Trends/Issues • Research base and evidence • No unsupported belief systems; mindful ignorance • Courtesy – cooperation – collaboration – collocation (co-location) • Examples of improved collaboration • More closing than opening…
To your success… Dr. Ken Haycock School of Library and Information Science San Jose State University 2009 • Haycock, K. (2006). Dual use libraries: Guidelines for success, Library Trends 54(4), 488-500.