Connecting the Masses: Information Agencies in Searcy, Arkansas LIBM 6320-Dr.Rickman Haylee Marrs

1. Connecting the Masses:Information Agencies in Searcy, ArkansasLIBM 6320-Dr.RickmanHayleeMarrs

2. My Local Libraries of Choice… Brackett Library Searcy Public Library

3. Services Offered Brackett Library Searcy Public Library • text is primarily done online through their website. The library maintains a card catalogue for those capable to use it but it is rarely done. • Students rely heavily on staff to lead them to any books that may be more difficult to locate. • A full reference section that includes text, audio, video, and microfiche is available daily. • The library has recently updated a media center with high quality production and design programs for students to use. • The library offers the ability to get books from any of the three libraries on campus through interlibrary loan as well. • Materials can be reserved personally for same day or next day pick-up, however professors use this most to reserve texts for certain classes to use. • When a patron needs a book location or research assistance they can text a librarian of their choice for information. • The library also maintains a suggestion box open to patrons who have books they would like to see in the library that are not. The library takes these suggestions and almost always places the order, in an effort to stay current. • The adult reading area is the same size as the children’s reading selection! • This location offers both interlibrary loan within the regional system and reserve options. Library cardholders may find a book, audio book, or video of their choice and request it be reserved for them both online and at their local branch. • This library offers many services such as genealogy and local history search classes. • Librarians conduct weekly toddler and preschool programs and summer reading programs. • e-audio books are available as well. • The reference section is very limited, suggesting not much is done at this branch as it is geared toward families with young children.

4. Brackett Library Mission Statement: “The primary purpose of the library at Harding is to provide materials and services in support of the curriculum, with emphasis on a balanced working collection. Secondarily, the library strives to provide materials for faculty research and, to a lesser extent, materials for leisure/recreational reading insofar as budget permits and need demands.”

5. Searcy Public Library Mission Statement: “to be at all times a dynamic public resource to provide information, materials and services to stimulate ideas, advance knowledge and enhance the quality of life for all members of the public library community. It is the belief of the Board of Trustees of the White County Regional Library System that these ends can best be met through the availability and utilization of a variety of library resources that ensure opportunities for education as a life-long process and enrich the cultural environment through serving as a social, entertainment, and recreational resource center.”

6. Who Are You Serving? Brackett Library Searcy Public Library • Harding University Students Past and Present • Harding University Faculty and Staff • Cardholders County-Wide • Local College Students • Searcy Residents

7. Brackett Library Staff Structure & Organization Staff range from student workers up to department heads in this library. After receiving a degree you may become an employee working in circulation and assisting patrons. Department heads manage employees in various departments to ensure quality service. They are required to have a master’s degree and significant library experience.

8. Searcy Public Library Staff Structure & Organization At the Searcy branch there are only a handful of full-time employees, most with only a high school diploma. They each assist in certain areas of the library, but due to it’s small size the branch manager handles most tasks. The branch manager has a college degree and experience. The regional system is overseen by a board of trustees, a few from each branch.

9. Surprises! Brackett Library Searcy Public Library Professor book of the month pick! Each month a professor is chosen to talk about their favorite book and answer questions about their choice in a student-led interview. They take their picture with the book and it is made into an eye-catching poster which is placed at the library entrance each month. Genealogy services! They offer classes and computer time to research family tree information. They also offer extensive archive access on county-wide historical information. They offer time to be assisted in finding information you are researching and the availability to see documents digitally.

10. Diversity Free to all patrons Wheelchair accessible Handicapped Parking Brail Signage at locations

11. Reference Page • (R.Starling, personal communication, February 4, 2012). • Google Images. “Diversity." Photo. Google.com 14 Dec. 2008. • Google Images. “Books." Photo. google.com 10 Jan. 2007. • www.google.com • Google Images. “Searcy Library." Photo. library.arkansas.gov 8 Feb. 2009. • Google Images. “Brackett Library." Photo. library.arkansas.gov 22 Jun. 2005. • www.library.arkansas.gov