The document summarizes a webinar discussing the future of public libraries. It includes presentations from Mary Weiss of Credo Reference and Renee DiPilato and Lynda Rudd of the Alexandria Library. Weiss discusses how libraries need to be positioned as vital community infrastructure and focus on their transformational role. DiPilato and Rudd discuss how libraries can shape their future by engaging customers, collaborating with partners, communicating their value, and embracing librarians' roles as connectors in a changing environment.

1. The Future is Coming! What Does That Mean for Public Libraries? February 27, 2012

2. Best Practices 1. Send questions or comments to Laura Warren, Libraries Thriving Coordinator- laura.warren@credoreference.com 2. Share comments and questions throughout the session via the chat box.

3. When the Archives Get Social: The Joe McDonald and Leola Lewis Project March 13 th at 1:00 PM EST / 10:00 AM PST / 6:00 PM UTC March 15 th at 3:00 PM EST / 12:00 PM PST / 8:00 PM UTC Information Literacy and E-Resources: Moving Beyond the Chalkboard April 17 th at 10:00 AM EST / 7:00 AM PST / 3:00 PM UTC April 19 th at 1:00 PM EST / 10:00 AM PST / 6:00 PM UTC Find, Point, Scan: Using QR Codes in your Library May 14 th at 10:00 AM EST / 7:00 AM PST / 3:00 PM UTC May 16 th at 1:00 PM EST / 10:00 AM PST / 6:00 PM UTC Credo Reference Online Seminar Series—Spring 2012

4. Agenda 1. Public Library Month Recap: -Laura Warren, Coordinator, Libraries Thriving 2. Featured Speakers on the Future of Public Libraries: -Mary Weiss, Director of Sales—Public and School Libraries, Credo Reference -Renee DiPilato, Central Library Manager, Alexandria Library, and Lynda Rudd, Technical Services Manager, Alexandria Library 3. Questions/Comments for Speakers and Discussion: -What is your vision of the future of public libraries?

5. The Public Library of Today

6. In the Year 2012…

7. In the Year 2012… Open 57 hours 59% open seven days per week; 78% of those closed on Sundays

8. In the Year 2012… Full-Time Staff Photo courtesy of Cehwiedel Degree-holding (MLIS/MS/MLS) Staff Director 1 Assistant Director 1 Manager 1 Assistant Manager 2 Reference Librarian 3 Youth Services Librarian 2 Technical Services Librarian 1 Paraprofessional/Clerical Staff Technical Services Assistant 2 Reference Assistant 2 Circulation Assistant 5

9. In the Year 2012… Part-Time Staff Photo courtesy of ceridwen (Part-Time: 10 – 20 hours) Degree-holding (MLIS/MS/MLS) Staff Assistant Manager 1 Reference Librarian 3 Youth Services Librarian 2 Paraprofessional/Clerical Staff Technical Services Assistant 1 Reference Assistant 2 Circulation Assistant 6

10. In the Year 2012… 67% employ interns; 75% are unpaid. Interns work 8-12 hours on average. 75% have a volunteer program Number of volunteers ranges from 2-70 Interns and Volunteers Photo courtesy of Newburyport Public Library

11. In the Year 2012… Information Literacy Instruction “ Information literacy is pretty much done on a one on one basis. With e-Readers and Overdrive, the teachable opportunities have greatly increased.” “… senior surfer and new to computer sessions.” “ We provide what we are asked to provide. LA1s that work here help with computer training, taxes finding resources… Whatever the patron asks us to do and if we can’t, we find someone who can…that’s what you do in a small town.”

12. The Public Library of Today The Public Library of the Future

13. Photo courtesy of Flickr user Cea It's the year 2022. The public library of today differs from the public library of 2012 in these three ways...

14. In the Year 2022…

15. The Future is Coming! What Does That Mean for Public Libraries? Mary Weiss Director Public Libraries [email_address]

16. Libraries Thriving Intro to Mary Weiss Director of Public and K-12 Libraries Credo Reference

17. OCLC 2008 Study “ From Awareness to Funding ; a study in Library Support”

18. Among the findings from the report: Library funding support is only marginally related to library visitation Perceptions of librarians are an important predictor of library funding support Voters who see the library as a 'transformational' force as opposed to an 'informational' source are more likely to increase taxes in its support The report suggests that targeting marketing messages to the right segments of the voting public is key to driving increased support for U.S. public libraries. OCLC REPORT CONCLUSIONS

19. Circulation and Visits are UP !!!

20. They are managing a long list of important public services that are in need of financial support and many face strong pressure by their constituencies to limit local tax increases. Elevating the financial needs of the library by positioning it as vital community infrastructure, rather than a ‘nice to have’ service, is required. As local officials weigh the costs and benefits of increasing taxes or allocating funds, the profile and value of the library relative to other services must be increased. Engaging community support from the most likely library financial supporters can be an important factor in elevating this discussion. Engaging the support of Super Supporters and Probable Supporters to increase the attention of their elected officials on tax support for libraries is essential.

21. TRANSFORMATIONAL The research indicated a need to appeal to both the heart and mind of the potential voter, positioning the library as an important part of the community’s infrastructure that plays a key role in providing equal access to resources vital for thriving in today’s digital world.

23. Where do Public Libraries Fall ?

24. Passionate Librarians !

25. Probable Supporters and Super Supporters felt that support for libraries can be improved by increasing the public’s attention to four essential community benefits that the public library uniquely delivers: Equal access Shared community values (or teaches values) A sacred place Community stature.

26. Messages that Drive Library Funding

27. Brand Communications Objectives Make the library relevant for the 21st century. Instill a sense of urgency by putting the library in the consideration set for local funding with other public services, like police, parks and fire. Activate a conversation about how the library is a vital part of the community’s infrastructure and future.

28. The Library Needs to be positioned as a vital part of the community infrastructure

29. Messages that Drive Funding: Access to information was expressed as fundamental to American democracy. the library plays a unique role in teaching important community values and responsibilities. (sharing community assets, respect for community and self reliance) the library is seen as a ‘sacred place’ that has distinct and unique qualities that make it worthy of increased financial support. Focus group members described the ‘transformational’ qualities The library is a community symbol of freedom of thought and progress; the library creates status for its community.

30. Awakening and reinforcing the transformational value of the library is the most important factor in increasing library funding support.

31. Thank you Mary Weiss [email_address]

32. Renee DiPilato, Central Library Manager, Alexandria Library Lynda Rudd, Technical Services Manager, Alexandria Library

33. RENEE DIPILATO & LYNDA RUDD ALEXANDRIA LIBRARY ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA FEBRUARY 27, 2012 The Future is Coming! What does that mean for public libraries?

34. Introduction Background The Alexandria Library A note of caution

35. Today’s Goal Focus on the positive

36. Different Meanings! These are challenging times, but…we can shape our future!

37. Change is Constant We are in a state of “permanent white water” (Peter Vaill, 1996) Continuous learning is key A new skill set for the profession is imperative

38. Community Engage your customers Seek out your non-users Leave your facility for a different perspective

39. Collaboration New opportunities abound Build partnerships that make sense Look for local resources

40. Communication Spread the word Raise awareness Focus on the positive

41. Competition E-Books & Technology Google Netflix Amazon How do we compare? What strengths do libraries have?

42. Librarians as Connectors “ They are defending library as warehouse as opposed to fighting for the future, which is librarian as producer, concierge, connector, teacher and impresario.” Seth Godin, The Future of the Library

43. Resources Research and Reports ALA, Office for Information Technology Policy—Policy Briefs OCLC—Membership Reports Urban Libraries Council—Research Reports Scenario Planning Scenario Planning for Libraries edited by Joan Giesecke

44. Let’s continue the conversation Renee DiPilato [email_address] 703.746.1728

45. RENEE DIPILATO & LYNDA RUDD ALEXANDRIA LIBRARY ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA FEBRUARY 27, 2012 The Future is Coming! What does that mean for procurement in public libraries?

46. Consumer Demand Library resources meet community demand Resource availability Information formats

47. Can We Buy That? Library budgets and spending Vendor availability Publisher ownership

48. Do We Own It? Ownership versus Rental Digital Millennium Copyright Act and the Digital Media Consumer Rights Act (DMCA prohibits bypassing of embedded technology that restricts access or copying of digital media. DMCRA requires copyright protected labeling on material to restore legal usage of digital content made illegal by DMCA.)

49. Public Libraries and Publishers Intellectual content security Publisher solvency and profitability Where does the public library fit into the picture?

50. Resources Public Knowledge whitepapers on spectrum reform: Breaking the Logjam: Creating Sustainable Spectrum Access Through Federal Secondary Markets and Breaking the Logjam: Some Modest Proposals for Enhancing Transparency, Efficiency and Innovation in Public Spectrum Management . Bills regarding FCC and Network Neutrality (Thomas.gov) ALA resolution on publishers and practices that discriminate against library users (American Libraries, January 31, 2012) “ Ebook Publishers Want Library Borrowing to Be Difficult” (Jared Newman, PCWorld.com, February 13, 2012) “ Penguin Severs Ties with OverDrive” (Calvin Reid, Publisher’s Weekly Online, February 9, 2012)

51. What is your vision of the future of public libraries?