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ASSOCIATION OF PUBLIC LIBRARY ADMINISTRATORS OF SOUTH CAROLINA

WORKSHOP SUMMARY

MYRTLE BEACH, MAY 16,2008

Prepared by Rusty Belote, Ph.D.

This workshop was designed to assist APLA, the South Carolina State Library, and the University of South Carolina School of Library and Information Science identify shared topics that the three groups might use to develop some common goals for future action. Each organization currently has goals for its own planning; this workshop assisted with the process of selecting specific topics for common planning and action.

Dividing into small groups, participants were asked to envision what libraries will be like in the future. Broad topics that emerged from the discussions included the library’s role in the community, the importance of marketing and advocacy, changing population demographics, staffing and training for effective service delivery, problem solving, and the library as the “third place” to visit.

The role of the library in the community

Several items appeared under this broad heading including balancing traditional and virtual services, the role of the library in literacy and computer literacy, the “digital divide” among patrons, the quality and type of book collections, and the importance of collaboration with other community agencies and organizations. The extent of the library’s role in area economic development suggests another future direction for exploration. There are also identified differences between rural and urban libraries to be considered.

Importance of marketing and advocacy

There is a need for reliable, accurate data to communicate effectively with the community groups and those who fund libraries. Funding is a major concern at all levels and requires strong advocates for libraries, both locally and at the state level. Many comments focused on who are patrons are and what services they will need. There was a comment that currently the library is often seen as a place for “kids and poor people.” It is important that advocacy be broad-based and continuous, suggesting a need for new partnerships.

Population diversity

As population become more diverse, developing methods for reaching different groups will become a greater challenge. There are more retirees moving into the state, more non-native English speakers, and more demand from patrons for access to the web and computer-based services. The library is increasingly viewed as a source for both access to, and basic training in, the new technologies. Staffing needs to reflect the diversity of the community. A staff able to communicate with diverse populations is also an issue for public libraries.

Staffing and training

Staffing concerns reflected a variety of topics including hiring and training, the anticipated turn-over through retirement among directors in the next few years, and the impact of budget reductions on the ability to hire sufficiently prepared staff. Significant staff turnover often results in the loss of an “institutional memory” and loss of important community relationships. Salaries and competitive recruiting with other states was a concern in staffing, as was the matter of academic interests among current students in the Master’s programs.

Problem solving

Funding for libraries and the perceived downward trends in the state resources coupled with the increasing need to improve technology and patron access to technology were identified as major concerns. The importance of collaborative planning and advocacy were identified as essential for the future of all libraries and services. More resource sharing and multi-use facilities may be as important as the need for awareness of and sensitivity to the differing needs of rural and urban systems. Identifying themes and mechanisms for building partnerships and advocates in the local community, as well as state-wide, needs more attention.

Conclusions

Following the small group discussions and identification of possible themes for collaborative work among the three organizations, it was agreed that a small representative planning team would work together to develop three or four goals for collaborative emphasis in the coming year. Goals will emerge from the discussions in this workshop and will be presented at a fall meeting, date to be established.