[Publib] Brief and possibly muddled meditation on

[James Casey]

Shahin makes a good point.   We have to mix and match automated, self-serve solutions with the best elements of personal service.   The public's appreciation of personalized service was emphasized in the focus groups we held back in 2004 in preparation for our Long Range Plan.  Yet, everyone is busy and wants the kind of empowerment that Shahin notes.  --- What we have to avoid at all costs are sweeping, radical solutions such as installing "XYZ Automated System" at a cost of $200,000 and immediately laying off or eliminating several positions in order to cut costs sufficient to pay for the innovation.   Sales reps have tried to push such "comprehensive business solutions" in the past and I have seen some of my library administrator colleagues grab on to them "lock, stock and barrel".


James B. Casey - My own views
Director of Oak Lawn Public Library
ALA Council Member




From: publib-bounces at webjunction.org [mailto:publib-bounces at webjunction.org] On Behalf Of s shoar
Sent: Friday, April 04, 2008 10:03 AM
To: kstipek at aclib.us; suekamm at mindspring.com; jrichmond at alphapark.org; publib at webjunction.org; tcooper at wgpl.org
Subject: Re: RE: [Publib] Brief and possibly muddled meditation on


Self Service is not to replace personal service but to augment it.  Even grocery stores have not done away with their conventional check out settings;  libraries should not either.  However, I know for a fact that self service is a very much appreciated option for many patrons.  It imparts a sense of empowerment  and control over one's privacy and time.  At the same time these very patrons are to be assured that when they prefer the human touch it is available to them.  Self checkout for instance beats having to wait in long lines on a Friday or Saturday evening when you want to get home and do other fun stuff.

Self-Service and traditional library service should not be mutually exclusive.



Shahin Shoar

Upper Arlington Public Library




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