[Publib] Re: Bookstore model? Not here!

[Andy Barnett]

Our library has large open spaces, comfortable seating, booths, coffee, 
magazines arranged by subject, relaxed rules of conduct for some areas and 
display shelving for all our AV and the newest 10-15% of our print 
collection. Some areas are quiet and good for study, others are bright and 
best for social gatherings. Is this a bookstore model? Nope. This is a 
library model. Does is adapt some best practices from businesses. Of 
course. Does it merely adopt business practices? Never.

What Richmond Public, San Jose (and our humble library) are doing is not 
only not a bookstore model, it is in keeping with the very foundations of 
the public library. It is a re-perceived model for the library, certainly, 
but it is a model for libraries, not bookstores.



Andy Barnett, Asst. Director				www.mcmillanlibrary.org
McMillan Memorial Library
490 East Grand Ave.						715-422-5144 (phone)
Wisconsin Rapids, WI  54494				715-423-2665 (fax)
	
Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.
      -  Martin Luther King, Jr., 1929 - 1968