[Publib] Public Library bus

[Lise Chlebanowski]

One of the biggest problems that I see is that the library is more than a book repository, it's a gathering place for families at storytime, people using computers to look for jobs and complete assignments. Now, if you're contemplating the idea of shuttling people to and from the library to use these resources, the city will have to look at liability issues. 

The library is so much more than a place to get free books. And even considering that aspect the scenario you present eliminates browsing the stacks. It sounds like a great idea if you absolutely do not have the revenue to provide another branch. It seems like you might be able to find grant money for something like this, perhaps partnering with a social services agency. 

Good luck! 

Lisë Chlebanowski
Library Manager
Avondale Public Library
(623) 478-3105
lchlebanowski at avondale.org
"Outside of a dog, a book is man's best friend. Inside of a dog it's too dark to read." 
Groucho Marx

 

-----Original Message-----
From: publib-bounces at webjunction.org [mailto:publib-bounces at webjunction.org] On Behalf Of Chris Rippel
Sent: Wednesday, January 25, 2006 4:55 PM
To: publib at webjunction.org
Subject: [Publib] Public Library bus

Dear Colleagues,

Has anyone heard of a library running a van service as an alternative 
to opening a branch?

Imagine the following scenario in a town too small to have a regular 
city bus service.

1. The library has an online catalog.

2. This catalog allows patrons to put holds on books, etc.

3. Put instead of the book being held at the library circulation desk,
patrons can request that their books be delivered to their local 
grocery store, for example.

4. Grocery stores, of course, have agreed to hold library books for 
pick-up by patrons.
Patrons could also drop off library books in a secure drop box inside 
the grocery stores.

5.Twice a day, say mid-morning and early evening, a library van 
travels a route to all the grocery stores dropping off and picking up 
books.

6. People could also ride the library's van around the route to and 
from the library.

In this scenario, the van is doing double duty.
People with computers in their houses can ask that books be delivered 
to their closest grocery store.
People without computers in their houses can ride themselves to and 
from the library.

Wouldn't this be cheaper than a library branch?
Would it be cheaper than running a bookmobile?
The van runs more miles, but doesn't take near the gas.

What problems do you see with this scenario?
-- 
Thanks,

Chris Rippel
Central Kansas Library System
1409 Wiliams
Great Bend, Kansas 67530
620-792-4865 (voice)
620-792-5495 (fax)
crippel at ckls dot org
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