In my neck of the woods there are many really, really small
public libraries in no close proximity to any growing metropolis. There are
also only seven bookmobiles in the entire state. These small rural libraries,
falling under the Urban Development code of 2500 people or less, have only one
or two paid workers, many volunteers, and probably with little exception, no
one supporting an MLS.
The backbone of librarianship can be seen in the small
libraries which populate rural/urban America. These institutions may not be
well funded, well stocked or glamorous, but they house the foundations of our
national life through the contribution of the preservation of some of our
national ideals; the maintenance of the family as a social institution and the
cultivation of independent self-reliance and neighborliness. Pancake
breakfasts, book sales, public auctions, and putting letters in the water bills
begging for money in many cases augments poorly funded facilities. The success
story for these “bypassed growth areas” has in fact been the internet, although
in many cases not without a little kicking and screaming from the “old
standard.” I have personally experienced a number of the “old standard” who
sacrificed much to keep these community units alive. These are faithful and
commendable individuals.
Computer networks are currently available in even the
smallest libraries; unfortunately, an unprecedented number do not have an
internet presence or even a library email address. In addition, if it were not
for women’s organizations, a substantial number of these units of rural America
would not have survived as long as they have: many functioning in substandard
buildings or, at the very least, those in desperate need of a makeover (the
building, I mean).
The educational needs of staff in small and rural libraries
is relevant. A solo librarian does it all and usually does it all alone:
cataloging, to funding, to fixing the toilet and mopping up the overflow.
Unfortunately, the information culture that technology creates many times takes
a back seat to more pressing issues, and what solo librarian has the time or
resources to take webinars, go to conferences, or attend college when there is
no proximity? As a matter of fact, in my state, there are only two colleges
which offer an MLS and neither offer it completely online. Boards are usually
locals who volunteer their time but have no concept of what it takes to run a
library and feed the hungry masses either intellectually or socially outside of
church or the volunteer fire hall. Although these individuals are to be
commended for their efforts and sacrifices, many communities house a library in
which the stacks are filled with 95% fiction, the only outreach services are to
children, reference works are substantially minimal and outdated, and the
hierarchy looks at “outsiders” who try to persuade for change as suspect.
Although many public libraries see a decline in state
revenues, there is no question that there are small and rural libraries which
“have made it” in the library world and created citadels within their
communities. This was never accomplished, however, without forward and
inventive thinking, creativity, and a lot of energy used to convince
hierarchy's and persuade for change. It is correct that the Internet
leveled the playing field between small and large libraries because of the
opportunities it presents to small-town America. However, without special
handling, the small, rural library cannot survive. On my side of the creek, the
issue of survival definitely should be served up on the soup spoon daily - with
or without the meat.
The bottom line is this: There does not exist a library that
is powerful enough to stand by itself in isolation.
Cooperation does alleviate many burdens that make rural
libraries reluctant to participate in networking. Libraries should
evaluate network opportunities, carefully weighing the challenges with the
advantages, but always working toward providing their patrons with better
service and materials. The community rural library can effectively be a
blueprint for cultural improvement. Though staff running small or rural
libraries may often feel like islands, cut off from the networking, technology,
and resources available to larger libraries, there is an abundance of help for
such libraries and plenty of opportunities for continued education.
image: http://sanderscountyartscouncil.wordpress.com/2012/11/08/an-unladylike-battle-for-survival-in-the-sunnyside-library-ignites-students-questions/
image: http://sanderscountyartscouncil.wordpress.com/2012/11/08/an-unladylike-battle-for-survival-in-the-sunnyside-library-ignites-students-questions/
