[Publib] Getting the word out

[Mary J. Soucie]

Sue,
People may notice if all those things happen but that doesn't mean they'll do anything about it. We have a library in our neck of the woods that has had all the things you've mentioned happen and they still can't get a referendum passed for an operating increase. Fortunately for that director, she has a very dedicated staff that has understood and done the best they can in such a crappy situation. Not all directors are that lucky though. 
 
For my situation, it's a matter of addiing services without having the werewithal to hire staff until we were sure it was necessary. We wanted to be sure the Info Desk was going to be necessary before hiring additional staff that we then wouldn't be able to use elsewhere.
 
I think your points are well made. I do want to add that when I was a teacher I brought work home with me then too. I bring less work home with me but if I'm going to be sitting in a car for 2-4 hours, why not bring some journals along and read them? 
 
Mary Soucie

	-----Original Message----- 
	From: publib-bounces at webjunction.org on behalf of Sue Kamm 
	Sent: Thu 12/1/2005 11:33 AM 
	To: publib at webjunction.org 
	Cc: 
	Subject: [Publib] Getting the word out
	
	

	It's time to stop being nice and provide adequate service with less-than-adequate staff numbers and materials budgets.
	
	If the library is closed once a week (excluding Sunday), people will notice.  If the library must reduce  or eliminate value-added services (such as Internet access), people will notice.  If there are fewer staff available to work public desks, and services such as telephone reference are eliminated, people will notice.  If children's programs, such as class visits in the library or storyhours because the children's librarian must spend all his/her time on the desk, people will notice.  If new materials are not cataloged, processed, and placed on shelves quickly, people will notice.  If materials returned from circulation are not re-shelved promptly, people will notice.  If custodial service is reduced,  trash cans are not emptied, and restrooms cleaned every day, people will notice. 
	
	I don't know whether there are statistics on the number of library workers who leave their jobs because they are being asked to perform two other people's jobs plus their own.  The stress caused by this work situation can lead to other illness, particularly heart disease and ulcers.  If a jurisdiction's workers' compensation costs go up, administrators should notice.
	
	
	Your friendly CyberGoddess and Councilor-at-large,
	Sue Kamm
	Inglewood/Los Angeles, CA
	Truest of the Blue, Los Angeles Dodgers Think Blue Week 2000
	email:  suekamm [at] mindspring.com
	When you absolutely, positively HAVE to know, ASK A LIBRARIAN!
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