| Convocation on Providing Public Library Service to California’s 21st Century Population | [Back] [Contents] [Next] |
Recently, with the goal of improving access to the Quincy Library, we
closed down for six weeks. During the time we were closed, the building
was painted and carpeted, the bathrooms were refurbished to comply with
the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the fiction section was reoriented
to be parallel with the lights, and larger signs were installed on the
ends of shelves. I firmly believe that entire ranges of fiction that were
previously in the dark are now circulating better.
Improving access to public libraries in California is unfortunately
not as simple as applying a new coat of paint. Our changing demographics,
tenuous funding situations, advances in technology, and harmful stereotypes
of libraries and librarians are all issues that must be examined and addressed
if we are to improve access to public libraries.
For many members of the public, physical access is the greatest barrier to library service. The number and percentage of Californians over 65 is rising, and libraries need to examine their facilities and their collections in terms of accessibility for the elderly and disabled. The ADA has created guidelines for physical access inside our buildings, but a growing number of people may have difficulty getting to the library. Libraries may be able to improve service to the growing elderly population through bookmobile services, books by mail, or volunteer delivery outreach programs.
Continued funding of libraries is a basic necessity if we are to improve, or even continue providing access to, our collections and services. The time librarians spend examining local and alternative funding sources continues to be a drain on our direct service to the public. The State Library's publication on referendum campaigns has been beneficial to many libraries, but a number of measures were defeated even though they received over 50 percent of the vote. The current two-thirds majority requirement for the passage of bond measures was instituted through the democratic process and can be removed the same way. The State Library, the California Library Association and local libraries should lobby for a measure that would require only a simple majority to pass bond measures.
Legislation that would fund public libraries at the state level is another solution to the funding crisis and would mediate the inequities caused by funding based on property taxes. If the state provided matching funds up to $10 per capita, or a percentage of a library service area's median income, libraries would be guaranteed a stable funding base that would allow us to focus our attentions on library services rather than fundraising. In addition, local government would have an incentive to fund libraries in order to receive matching funds.
California is one of the most culturally diverse states in the country, and more immigrants move to California than to any other state. In order to serve these new library users, libraries need to reflect the growing diversity of their populations, not only in the collections, but in library publicity and staff. In areas with large numbers of non-English speakers, libraries can facilitate access and promote a balanced staff by requiring applicants to have knowledge of a second language. Literacy programs that provide English as a Second Language (ESL) training can also help eliminate the language barrier. Although the mountain and coastal regions of Northern California are less culturally diverse, it is equally important that their libraries expose patrons to points of view and cultures other than their own. State Library materials grants that seek to improve access to multicultural collections and promote exploration of diverse cultures should be made available with less regard to local demographics, and with a view toward the benefit for the entire population.
The rapid changes in technology give libraries the opportunity to increase access to library collections and services but also create a number of complications. The Internet expands library resources to include far more than will fit on many library shelves, including information that we might not have selected if given the choice. As librarians, we have a responsibility to educate our patrons and provide guidelines that will help them navigate the information maze. Any library with a web site is creating a navigation device that is available outside its walls and is, therefore, eliminating some of the barriers created by time and space. Access is no longer limited to those who can travel to the library during open hours.
Libraries that seek to improve access through technology must take the next step, which is educating the public to use the new tools. Many members of the population do not have access to the Internet in their homes and are not being trained to use it elsewhere. According to the National Center for Education, 85 percent of California schools are not connected to the Internet, which means most children are not receiving formal education in information searching. The InfoPeople Internet workshops have been very helpful in training library staff to teach the public, and their manual now provides that information to staff members who cannot leave their branches to attend training.
One barrier to improving technology is the state of many library buildings.
Many libraries are not wired for ISDN lines or additional phone cables
and often do not have enough electrical outlets to plug in any more devices.
Librarians need to evaluate their facilities in terms of long-range technological
needs, and many of us could benefit from training in this area. Once we
have determined our needs, State Library technology grants can help to
bring library buildings into the 21st century.
Perhaps the most daunting barrier to public library access may be the
public image of libraries and librarians. We continue to be portrayed in
advertising and popular culture as archaic, unfriendly and generally inaccessible,
a belief that is held by a larger percentage of the population than we
are comfortable admitting. Although the majority of the public views libraries
positively, most people are often unaware of our services or our expertise.
Librarians need to focus on providing access to non-library users by correcting
their misconceptions of libraries and by educating them about our services.
Librarians need to communicate to the public that we are friendly, knowledgeable and valuable. In fiscally and politically conservative areas where many citizens express distrust of government, librarians need to educate the public and government leaders about the role of the library as a protector of freedom of information, while demonstrating the direct benefits to the local area. A statewide public relations campaign to correct the librarian stereotype could be very effective, but would be much more powerful if also pursued at the local level. Cooperation with other community organizations and private companies is vital in promoting library services and can build partnerships that benefit the library financially.
Improving access to public libraries involves much more than opening doors. Only by adapting to California's changing information needs, educating the public and continuing training for librarians can we position the public library as the information centers of California communities.