sharing the sandbox: i & rs and libraries
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Sharing the Sandbox: I & Rs and Libraries. AIRS Conference Reno, Nevada June 3, 2009. Why Do Libraries Do I&R?. I &R consistent with library mission(s) Expertise in collecting, organizing and retrieving information Perceived as source of reliable, unbiased information - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
Sharing the Sandbox: I & Rs and Libraries
AIRS ConferenceReno, NevadaJune 3, 2009
Why Do Libraries Do I&R?
• I &R consistent with library mission(s)
• Expertise in collecting, organizing and retrieving information
• Perceived as source of reliable, unbiased information
• Commitment to providing information to all
• I & R fits library role as community center or “information commons”
• I &R consistent with library mission(s)
• Expertise in collecting, organizing and retrieving information
• Perceived as source of reliable, unbiased information
• Commitment to providing information to all
• I & R fits library role as community center or “information commons”
Why Do Libraries Do I&R?
• Lack of stigma
• Reference collections and services
• Accessibility and convenience
• Multiple formats, technologies and languages
• History of providing community I & R
• Lack of stigma
• Reference collections and services
• Accessibility and convenience
• Multiple formats, technologies and languages
• History of providing community I & R
• Social changes of 1960s caused many institutions, including libraries, to examine services and roles in the community.
• Proliferation of community groups also made different kinds of information available and in demand.
• Public libraries developed library information and referral centers: brochures, community information files, “information kiosks”.
Brief History of Libraries and Community
I & R
Brief History of Libraries and Community
I & R• Librarians began getting “out
from behind the reference desk” through outreach and networking with community groups .
• Library-based I & R applied traditional library to a more engaged role in the community.
• Computerization made management of larger amounts of complex information and greater access possible.
I & R and Library Work:Similarities and Differences
Some Ways That Libraries “Do” Community Information
Post information about communi
ty services
and events
Provide print
information about governm
ent services
Answer questions
about communi
ty services
Provide specialize
d communit
y information services
or collections
Post links to
community services
and events
Collaborate on
community
information
database
Maintain specializ
ed database
of communi
ty informati
on resource
s
Collaborate with local 2-1-1 call center
Designate
Community
Information
service with
trained staff
Provide 2-1-1 call
center
services
Remember that library services may change over time as a result of changing community needs and available resources.
Some library-based I & R programs have been discontinued while others are still developing.
What do libraries in your community do?
People who need community service information can often benefit from related reference information. And vice versa.
Three great reasons for I & Rs and libraries to work together…
Both librarians and I & R professionals help customers find the information they need!
Three great reasons for I & Rs and libraries to work together…
Budget cuts are affecting many services. Collaboration between I & Rs and libraries – building on the strengths of each -- may be the best way to ensure the survival of community I & R services!
Three great reasons for I & Rs and libraries to work together…
YOUR ideas and experiences for how libraries and I & Rs can collaborate…
Some libraries that provide or collaborate with I & R services
Springfield-Greene County (MO) Library District
• Provides database management for 2-1-1 Missouri• Provides online database and print directories for
Springfield areahttp://thelibrary.springfield.missouri.org/directory/
directory.cfmMemphis (TN) Public Library--LINC/2-1-1• Provides regional 2-1-1 call center and database
management• Provides Community Resource Room and e-mail
distribution list to social services• Community I & R services since 1975 www.memphislibrary.org/linc/211/htm
Some libraries that provide or collaborate with I & R services
Middle Country (NY) Public Library—Community Resource Database of Long Island
• Maintains community information database for a consortium of public and private agencies
www.crdli.org/index.htmlNew York (NY) Public Library—
Community Information Services• Maintains bilingual online directory of community services,
web links, special collection of print materials and electronic community information display screens
www.nypl/branches/services/cis.html
Queens Borough (NY) Public Library—Community Information
• Provides online databases and directories, including one for Spanish-speakers and one for immigrant populations, web links, events listings
www.queenslibrary.org/index.aspx?page_nm=Community+Information
Some libraries that provide or collaborate with I & R services
Cumberland County (NC) Public Library• Provides online links to community information databases
and resourceswww.cumberland.lib.nc.us/resources/Guide-
fayettville.htm
Mansfield/Richland County (OH) Public Library
• Provides community information links from its home page; hosts database for local I & R call center
www.mrcpl.org
San Francisco (CA) Public Library—Community Services Directory
• Provides online community services databasehttp://sflib1.sfpl.org:83/screens/aboutcsd.htm
Some libraries that provide or collaborate with I & R services
National Library of Medicine/NIH (MD)—MedLine Plus—Go Local Databases
• Provides links to “information about health services in local geographic areas, including hospitals, physicians, nursing homes, support groups, health screening providers”, etc. Now available in 32 locations.
www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/golocal/index.html
Detroit (MI) Public Library—TIP (The Information Place)
• Provides community information call center and database. Has provided I & R since 1973
http://www.detroit.lib.mi.us/tip/index.htm/
Presenter Contact information
• Martha LoveSpecial Projects Coordinator, 2-1-1 CRS & Volunteer CoordinatorSpringfield-Greene County Library DistrictPO Box 760Springfield, MO 65801(417) 883-5366 ext [email protected]
• Audrey MayPublic Services Supervisor/CIRSLINC/2-1-1Memphis Public Library & Information Center3030 Poplar AvenueMemphis, TN 38111(901) [email protected]
Follow-up
• Decide on at least one “sandbox strategy” to implement with a library in your community.
• Provide us with your email address.• We will email you a reminder in four – six weeks.• We’ll share your ideas and “sandbox success stories” with the
group via email.
Try “sharing the sandbox” with your neighborhood librarians!