You and I realize that it is increasingly difficult for small and rural libraries to continue to survive. We know that a creative transition is necessary to ensure viability--one that includes translating into not only a center of information, but also one of local culture. Our goal should always be to grow services and relationships.
We also know that distributed forms of information have forced the central role of the library to modify. Individual communities with inventive and resourceful library boards and directors should be charged with developing some new strategy that will reflect the identity and personality of the community. This identity has the definite potential to create an "old home place" type of library environment for the locals. The idea is to build bridges where you can, and secure the faith of your residents. This will cement your small or rural library into their hearts making them come back and support your efforts.
From the beginning, this blog has been about adjusting to, and implementing, this very specific modification. Here are the simple steps revisited:
Evaluate your customer's library experience
- Test your community: determine their opinions, ideas, thoughts, and information requirements.
- Then determine what services are most important for the pleasure and growth of your residents.
- Use this information to define the strategic direction you will need to take.
Embrace new information technologies in your little corner of the planet
- Create a Vision . . . Tagline, Website, Brand, Advertising Strategy!
- Create a volunteer team that is tech savvy.
- Create an advisory team that will keep abreast of current technologies and free informational Websites.
- Create a partnership with your local organizations, businesses, and groups to construct local educational opportunities, linked services, and cooperative skills. Get everyone involved!
Preserve the culture and historical value of your community
- Support and secure an emotional link through community history and memory projects.
- Focus on the personality of your town by reinforcing the identity of your residents.
- Begin a participatory archiving process for community pride.
- Secure a community founded and funded informational, educational, and historical project that everyone can get involved with.
Experiment with creative spaces in your town
- Don't be afraid to ask: Capitalize on what's already out there by crafting small individual spaces within the community that draw attention and interest toward your library.
- Put up signage at the school, community college, fire hall, or VFW.
- Be open-minded and creative concerning the use of your library space.
- Don't be afraid to start something!
Brought to you by The Settlement Library Project:
Serving People, Broadening Perspectives, and Sharing Resources in Libraries
Image: http://www.sugarpiefarmhouse.com/the-old-homeplace
