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Establishing the value of our librarians

Sunday, November 2, 2008 8:45 AM PST

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Commentary by Susan James
For The Daily News

In tough economic times civic budget cuts must be made and, inevitably it seems, our public libraries often receive the first, deepest cuts. In the Daily News “Thumbs” section (Oct. 25), it was suggested that eliminated library staff could be replaced with community members who would “enjoy volunteering time in the library.” This comment makes it unmistakably clear how frequently the responsibilities of professional librarians may be misunderstood or undervalued.

Mention the title “librarian” and some people still conjure up stereotypical images and outdated ideas. If only they would look again, they’d discover that today’s librarians are vibrant information professionals who spend years acquiring skills to better serve the public in new and increasingly innovative ways.

Professional librarians hold master’s degrees in library and information science (MLIS). Graduate courses cover a wide range of study, including everything from online reference systems and Internet search methods, to automated circulation systems and the selection and processing of materials. Librarians must be experts in research methods and strategies, classification, cataloguing, indexing, and additionally, computer-related course work is an increasingly important part of an MLIS degree.

Librarians participate in continuing education and training to stay up to date with new information systems. They must be fluent in the latest technology to help patrons find specific information and use it effectively, especially with today’s digital overload. In their various roles, Librarians may acquire, prepare, and classify materials; negotiate contracts for services, materials, and equipment; perform public-relations and fundraising duties; prepare budgets; coordinate programs; conduct classes; and constantly direct activities to ensure everything runs smoothly.

These are just some of the responsibilities of trained information professionals. While every library cherishes and values the community members who give so willingly of themselves, suggesting these volunteers also take on the duties of a librarian (or a staff member who may be a librarian-in-training) is simply asking too much, and does a disservice to all.

In a recent study, Americans gave their libraries an excellent report more often than any other community service. The majority believe their local librarians use public money appropriately and carefully, and state that if libraries were shut down due to budget cutbacks, “something essential and important” would be lost to the entire community. It’s vital that we understand this essential “something” they are speaking of isn’t the library building or the materials: it is the help given to us by librarians, who are the very heart and engine driving these dynamic information services.

Librarians are the key to lifelong learning, from pre-school storytimes and summer reading programs, to providing information and services for the retired and elderly members of our community. Statistics prove that involved librarians have a discernible positive impact on student achievement, and they provide essential information about health, economics, job opportunities, the environment, housing, and countless other areas to support better living conditions and to help people lead productive and fulfilling lives. Librarians work hard for, and need, their community’s continued support.

Susan James works at Lower Columbia College Library.

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Viewpoint wrote on Nov 2, 2008 2:17 PM:

" Our civic leaders search for ways to beautify our downtown, increase our community's appeal to tourists and wealthy residents, raise our cultural and academic resources; in short, to bolster our social capital. Yet one of our most egalitarian institutions, which provides all members of our community access to improving their cultural, academic, and economic lives, gets shorted, just when more people may need its services. Talk about shooting yourself in the foot! The libraries in this county are already vastly undersupported thanks to the riverfront industries opposition to including them in a taxing district. There were plenty of donors willing to put their name on LCC's Fine Arts Building which arguably far fewer residents will use. Now is the time for those upstanding citizens to support the building across the street. I'm sure R.A. Long did not build the Longview Public Library just because he thought it would look pretty. "

Kem Cho wrote on Nov 3, 2008 9:28 AM:

" Cutting down resources in any library is a shame. We aim for improving education and then first thing we do is cut teachers, cut library hours. How about City Managers volunteer take no pay increase? That would definitely set an example. "

Community 1 wrote on Nov 4, 2008 1:13 PM:

" Not to mention that many studies have shown that during tough economic times, use of the library soars. This is a time when skilled professional librarians are needed the most. "

Old Charlie wrote on Nov 5, 2008 9:29 PM:

" It is past time for libaries to pull their own weight, thus implementing user fees for those who wish to use them. For far to long, property owners have been footing the bill, for a convenience, that the vast majority of property owners never utilize. "

Viewpoint wrote on Nov 6, 2008 11:39 AM:

" And by Old Charlie's logic maybe we should return to a time when only white guy property owners got to vote. "

Mr. Chinook wrote on Nov 6, 2008 1:53 PM:

" Sounds good to me, Viewpoint! "

banana hammock wrote on Nov 7, 2008 5:34 AM:

" I would rather fund the libary then the bus. Old Charlie how often do you ride the bus?

I never have but i pay for it. i do go to the libary when I need a book or some info i dont have at home. Any Under Oboma this will all be taken care of the poor will have the money to pay the fees if they are instituted. Charlie you will be paying the fee through your increased taxes.

Thankyou Mr. Oboma "

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