[Publib] Library Life in the Recession

[Charles London]

I'm doing some research for an article for* Library Journal*** into how the
recession is affecting patrons and staff in libraries. We all know that
library use is up, but I wonder if any of you would be willing to share some
anecdotes or reflections on any of these questions below:

   - Have you helped any patrons with a job search or with retraining? How
   did it go?


   - Have you helped any patrons interface with e-government resources? What
   kind? Has use of these resources noticeably increased in your community?


   - What kinds of materials are having higher circ for you now? Have you
   noticed a change in circulation since this crisis began?


   - Are there more people just hanging around the branch than there used to
   be? Is this creating any new challenges for you?


   - Have you started any new programs in response to this recession?


   - How are you, personally, coping with the demands on your services and
   your institution?

Any comments on these (or other) issues you'd like to share about serving
your patrons during this economic crisis would be much appreciated.

Email me off list [calondon at gmail.com] and I'll compile responses to the
post if there is interest.

Your comments would be for attribution in the piece, unless of course you
tell me otherwise.

Thanks,

 Charles London
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