Library resolutions for the New Year—December 31, 2008
It's that time of year when we are all thinking about resolutions for the New Year. Everyone can make a list of things we want to do better, or stop doing, in 2010. This year my resolution list includes the typical: lose ten pounds, give up soda, be more organized and read more books. This is my list every year and I like to think each year I get a little better at some of them. But this year, I also have another list. I am working on a 2010 resolution list for the library. You see, my philosophy on life and work is to always be improving, and there are a few areas I think the library can improve on in 2010.
During the next month or two, I'll write a short series of articles about the library's resolution list, and I hope along the way you'll give me your honest feedback. Writing these resolutions down always helps me refine the ideas in my head, but in this case I believe it is also my way of making a very public commitment to the community. After all, you can cut out and save this article and see in December of 2010 if the library met its resolution.
My first resolution for the library is to improve our collection of materials, in terms of quality, relevance, appearance and presentation. The Library currently has a collection of over 160,000 items in a wide range of formats. That's a lot of information and entertainment packed into one two-story building. My resolution is to make sure that the materials we add to our collection are what the community is really interested in having. That means that some older material no longer being used will be removed to make room for new materials. We'll keep a good supply of the classics and especially local interest and local author items, but we also need to make room for new authors and materials that reflect a wide range of interests. This is a challenge for every library in the world in that we are given a finite amount of space to work with, and as much as we'd like to keep one of everything, we simply can't. However, what we can do better is to reach out to you the community, and hear what kind of collection you want the library to have. We always welcome your requests and in 2010 I hope we can make it even easier for you to make suggestions to us.
The second part of my resolution is to make these items easier for you to find. In 2010, look for us to do a little rearranging of collections that I hope will provide easier access to certain materials. Watch for us to find ways to highlight new materials and ways to connect our children's materials with early literacy initiatives. We are also working on ways to let you know in advance of new titles and items as we order them so you won't miss them when they arrive. We want to provide you and your family with the information you need and the entertainment you desire. And we want to do it in a way that is fun, simple and convenient for you.
I encourage you to send me your thoughts on the library's New Year's resolutions at agreenland@hastings.lib.ne.us. Happy New Year from Hastings Public Library, and good luck to all of us on our resolutions.
