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HOLLY, Township - There is not such a cradle of democracy upon the earth as the Free Public Library, this republic of letters, where neither rank, office, nor wealth receives the slightest consideration.
Andrew Carnegie
No one’s opinion of the purpose of the public library could possibly carry more weight than that of the man who gave the world over 2,500 of them. And the great philanthropist Andrew Carnegie believed firmly that public libraries should exist in every community so that all people, regardless of their level of advantage in life, could have an equal access to information.
In Mr. Carnegie’s day, of course, information was contained in books on a shelf, and the collection of such information was accomplished slowly, by adding a few more books each year. Today, the world’s collection of information expands daily. And new ideas are shared instantly online, rather than sitting in sheafs of paper awaiting a publisher’s approval. Now in order to have an equal access to information to those born into a life of advantage, one must have frequent access. This means that in order for today’s public library to close the information gap between the haves and the have-nots, a person ought to be able to walk into the public library and sit down at a computer with Internet access, armed with the skills to use it.
Reading skills, of course, develop with access to the written word at an early age. Mr. Carnegie began building libraries in the late 1800s, and even those libraries often contained children’s sections. Public libraries are designed to invite users, including children, to browse, to discover, and to grow comfortable with books. It has always been a hands-on experience. In order for our children to develop the same level of comfort with today’s repository of information, they must be encouraged to similarly browse the Internet at the public library.
The Holly Township Library is asking for a millage renewal this August. I think it’s fair, as we contemplate the library’s value to the community, to ask how it is doing in closing this information gap for our children. Are Holly area children encouraged to browse the Internet when they enter our public library?
The library has one computer in its children’s section. It does not have Internet access, but is pre-loaded with games. The last time my 6-year old sat down to use it, an error message popped up. When he asked a librarian about it, she said, “It’s not working and I don’t know how to fix it.” With that, she turned the computer off.
There are three computers in the young adult section. They do have Internet access, but the last time I visited, one was out of order. I witnessed several kids milling around that area, waiting for an opportunity to get on one of those computers. How sad it is to see young people, eager to sit down and practice the research skills they will need their whole lives, and be frustrated in their attempt.
Fortunately, the Holly Township Library has received a federal grant to purchase fourteen new computers and support furniture. I applaud the library for that achievement. As I was told that none of these computers are planned for the children’s area, I would assume they will go into the main area commonly used by adults. I hope that children will be encouraged to use them as well.
But I can’t help wondering, if multiple computers are already out of order in the library, how will they manage to keep 14 more in working order? With 72 percent of the library’s 2010-2011 budget allocated for staffing (salaries, social security, and health insurance), there is not one educated information technology professional on staff. And there is not one person on staff offering free computer classes to the public.
In theory, the information contained on the Internet should be equally available to everyone. But in order for that to happen, there must be equal access. It’s not enough for the computers to be at the local library, they have to be in working order and there ought to be opportunities to learn how to use them. I’m not saying that libraries should offer a full-fledged computer curriculum, just a little gentle guidance. Similar to the way story times offered in Mr. Carnegie’s era and in ours encourage a love of the written word, so too should our public libraries design programs that encourage a level of comfort with the Internet.
Otherwise, our children, at least those who do not have Internet access at home, will grow up disadvantaged. And our public library will not live up to its mission, which should be to make the world’s knowledge available to all.
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed here are the views of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of The Holly Express and at it's requset, the Holly Township Board of Trustees.
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Comments
I would agree, though, that the technology and new media in the library is lacking. I know that many libraries of all sizes and budgets offer community enrichment classes and more extensive public technology resources.
I support renewing the Library millage, but I think it may be a good time for the Library to evaluate where they are and where they want to go. Isn't the Library sitting on a rather sizable fund balance?
The entire staff of the Holly Township Library shares a common goal for our organization, which unites us in our efforts to provide the Holly Township Library community with quality library service. We strive towards this goal each and every day.
We are a public service organization with a reputation for delivering excellent library service. We do this through a trained and experienced staff capable of melding traditional library services and new technologies. We strive to respect and respond to the needs of the individuals and organizations we serve, and our policies and procedures reflect our commitment to quality, convenient and courteous public service.
While it speaks of quality service, our mission statement gives no indication of what that is. Other library mission statements, such as those of Ann Arbor, Kalamazoo, Minneapolis, and Seattle, contain phrases like, “ensure access to information sources throughout the nation and the world,” “enable, encourage, and teach people to connect to information,” “creating and promoting an informed citizenry,” and “promote the development of literate and informed citizens.” While libraries in larger markets can be expected to have larger budgets, bigger staffs, and bigger facilities, shouldn’t our mission be as grand as theirs? Why should a child growing up in Holly enter the world less informed than one growing up a few miles down US-23? Our kids aren’t second-rate, and we should not have second-rate ambitions for them.
As far as evaluating the future of the library, one would think that the library board would create its vision (a master plan, if you prefer) before turning to the voters and asking to fund.
Perhaps I'm cynical, but I prefer to know the vision of an organization before I invest in it. Promising 5 years of funding on the hopes that those in charge will devise a way to make the library relevant seems a bit naive.
- Philip Allmen
Of course, if such an analysis showed a benefit, would the Holly community support it?
That being said, I think that a business plan, vision statement, master plan or whatever you wish to call it, should be presented by anyone wishing to utilize a millage or taxes for funds. It is good business practice and also informs those who may not be aware of all the services that are available and those that are in the works.
As Ryan had mentioned, with the village looking to move their council chambers and the library with expansion money, would it make sense to merge them into a community center? One issue with the current council chambers is parking. If the offices are moved and an addition is made to the current PD building, what will be done to accomodate the already inadequate parking? The lack of parking doesn't really invite public attendance.
As for the computer in the children's section not having internet connectivity. There are two very important sides to this and both have valid arguments. Children may be less inclined to use the computers in the general area simply because they are shy and it is less appealing to them. The other side of this is that having children use the computers in the general area encourages parent supervision. The child may not have poor browsing habits but there is always the concern of online predators.
Turorials and lessons would be a great addition but this service is already provided to our children in our school system. This means that it would have to focus on us older folks. I don't know if everyone remembers, but there were classes offered at the old Community Ed building that were great but the participation levels dropped severely after awhile. The best way to have something like this implemented is to see if there is enough interest. Making a suggestion or proposing the idea in a non-confrontational manner to the library staff directly would be a good starting point.
I do believe our library should offer free computer instruction to adults. But as for the children, the computer instruction at our schools (which is good) is not enough to close the information gap between those who have internet access at home and those who do not. And the elementary curriculum does nothing for computer literacy for those children who are of preschool age.
I love libraries. My children love libraries. But we get better service (not to mention cleaner books) in libraries outside of our community. I'm not satisfied with that. It's certainly not good enough for those families who don't have the leisure time to travel to libraries in other communities.
Giving our Holly area children the same access to the world's knowledge as any children anywhere should be our goal. I believe our library can accomplish that. But I want to see the plan.
And when I asked point-blank if there was an IT professional on staff, I was told that there was one self-taught individual on staff who handled such things.
I'm not pointing out these realities to be mean-spirited. I fully support the idea that a public library is a vital part of a successful community. I believe in libraries. But we need to own up to the fact that our library is not all it can be.
When my home internet service was inturrupted during a recent move, I frequently used the public computer services available in Holly. Waiting in turn to get updates from my realtor, watching active stock trades, researching equipment, or checking in with email - I often witnessed some of the "kid" activity on the internet enabled machines. Most of this activity had to do with social networking sites and online gaming.
As a frequent library "customer" there were times when the staff directed me to the computer in the children's area, which has much lower traffic.
For the gaming and face-booking kids, I think it's important that they learn how to wait in line. If any IT help is required from the administrative side - I think it should be in blocking that type of activity on the library computers.
The library is a place for looking at print, for turning pages, for understanding how categorization and look-ups really work. Yes, googling is quick and easy --- kind of like using a calculator when you don't know how to do long division -- or texting when you don't have proper language skills.
Books not clean? People should respect books that are on loan to them. Grimey, sticky little kid hands should not be smeary pages and covers. Returns should not be floating all over the car floor before getting back to the shelf. If the books are not clean, ask the librarian to talk to the last person that had them checked out. Library use is a privilege to be treated respectfully (low voice, clean hands, requests and suggestions - not demands).
Holly Library staff - thanks for all you folks do!
But as far as children being prevented from exploring online games and social networking, I must disagree. Criticizing children for using those sites is rather like criticizing children for reading Dr. Seuss instead of Shakespeare. They build skills by experiencing material that excites them. There is no telling what today's four year-old will be using computers for in the future. For today, if she wants to play a "My Little Pony" game on hasbro.com, I think that's just fine. The point is giving our community's children the access that allows them to build literacy of all kinds.
If the mission of the library is to allow for "important tasks" as defined by certain adults, than limiting computer access makes sense.
If, however, the mission is to create a more literate and informed society, with access for all regardless of age or influence, then it doesn't make sense to limit children's use of the computers. Children learn by doing. The difference between those children who have access to the internet at home and those that do not is precisely those hours spent "wasting time" on sites that do not interest adults. Of course parents must direct their children to seek positive online experiences, and to be critical and informed users of the internet. But if you believe as I do that libraries are meant to bridge the information gap between the haves and the have-nots, you have to support the use of library computers by children.
In our case, our library is receiving 14 new computers. I believe at least three of them should go into the children's area, making a meager total of 4 in that room. Although I was told by library personnel that there is not room in that space for additional computers, I have looked at the space, and I disagree.
What turned it into a rage against one of the friendliest places in town?
This is where you and I are going to disagree Janet. Children's software is generally inexpensive to purchase and easily obtained. At the preschool age the software functions are pretty basic, typically focusing on hand coordination with the mouse as well as identification of colors, shapes, letters, numbers and patterns. Internet access isn't a requirement or even necessary for children at the preschool age. Yes it may offer variety but it doesn't make sense to me when weighed against the liabilities.
And I like it...
All of Janet's respectful criticisms regarding the library are legit, and we as a community and the library itself would be doing a disservice not to act upon ways to improve. This is not in any way meant to overlook the value the libary does currently provide, but why wouldn't we want to enhance that value even further? An objective look at its strengths and weaknesses is a great way to get the ball rolling.
Also, for the record, I love Ryan's idea about a consolidated community center. It's an idea that has been surfaced a few times in the past, without much luck. Perhaps now the business case can be built and make it a win-win for everyone.
My children are each fortunate enough to have had daily access to their own computer since age three. If only his spelling skills were equal to mine, my 6 year-old's computer skills would far exceed mine. Children are curious and fearless, and that's why I believe the preschool years are the right time to introduce the internet. Because not all children in our community have access to computers at home, I believe the public library is the right place to give them that access.
All of these functions (history, favorites, bookmarks, etc) can be emulated without internet connectivity and is a very cost efficient alternative. This eliminates the risks of sending children online, especially those of preschool age with a limited vocabulary and spelling skills. My point is that children that young (we are talking preschool age) don't need and shouldn't have free reign to the content that exists out there. If the library wasn't segmented would you allow your child the same freedoms? Even at the risk of inadvertantly seeing images from books like Dante's Inferno? Content filters cost money for licensing and administration. Segmenting internet access to the different areas (much like the books are segmented) also costs additional money (we are talking about network engineering).
It is also the curiosity and fearlessness that mentioned that creates a liability in itself. This has the potential to not only increase support costs but also the cost of hardware. We just can't have it both ways. There are obviously issues with respecting borrowed property. Already mentioned are dirty books in one of the posts. Are we willing to subject more expensive equipment like computers to such fate?
Quoting Peter Clemens:
I believe the intended purpose has been expressed to the community. It was to be used for a new library. I am not sure if these plans have changed being that I have also been attending council meetings instead of library board meetings, but maybe this is why we are in the dark about it. Have we seen operational costs of similar size public libraries and compared the services that are provided in each to our township library?
It could also be argued that during these tough economic times additional services provided by the library are more of a need than a demand (like internet access, reference material and newspapers). Questions regarding financial responsibility and future intentions are completely appropriate but there may be a less abrasive method to get the answers to our questions.
I agree that we should always strive for improvement within ourselves and our community. Would we have been better served with a different approach though? Publicly pointing out someone's flaws or shortcomings typically generates resentment. Could there be less heartache if members of the governing bodies invited the library to make a presentation at their meetings? Couldn't someone have attended a library board meeting and asked all of these questions that no one outside of the library board meeting attendees seem to have answers to? Everything that I have ever been taught regarding development (whether it be children, students, employees or businesses) states that publicly ridiculing the subject will not foster the dedication and desire for improvement as an offer to help, train or coach would.
Just some things to consider and I hope this discussion results in answers, solutions and a positive outcome. None of us are "all that [we] can be" but the use of friendly, open dialogue can certainly get us closer.
Mr. Clemens also seems to favor the same agenda. Maybe the village, where he is Council President, could take over the hosting of an internet cafe for the disadvantaged youth of our community. They could fund this with all of the "rainy day" funds and excessive taxes that we pay them. Perhaps we could even tax the youth to help fund the sanitation systems. Why is Mr. Clemens so enamored with the Township Library's rainy day fund? Sounds like the library practiced responsible fiscal spending in the past and are not facing a debacle like the water/sewer systems which cannot seem to keep their heads above water (pardon the pun). It does not seem right to criticize an organization that has planned ahead and saved for a goal. Could this possibly be "rainy day fund" envy????
We don't do our children any favors by taking away the tools that they need to prepare for their futures. Now is the time to fund their futures, not scrimp on them.
As for taking a less abrasive approach to expressing this opinion, I think the personal e-mails that I have sent to the library director over the past thirteen months should suffice, not to mention the heads-up I gave the director two days before my column was posted. I have also repeatedly invited the library staff to share information with the township board.
It is time to get the public involved in the conversation because it is our money and our future that is at stake.
There is not such a cradle of democracy upon the earth as the Free Public Library, this republic of letters, where neither rank, office, nor wealth receives the slightest consideration.
Andrew Carnegie
Unless of course, you live in Holly Mr. Carnegie.
You can't really say the library is doing a great job or not if there isn't a comparative pool to begin with.