Libraries Have Survived the Economic Depression, But Budget Cuts Threaten Access

A new study out (supported by the ALA) affirms that libraries have "weather[ed] the storm of the economic depression, but funding cuts now threaten to undermine public access to public libraries. Find the Final 2011-2012 report here: Libraries Connect Communities: Public Library Funding & Technology Access Study 2011-2012.  I will also place a link on the Articles Page.

Sadly, though libraries are being used more and more, those who fund libraries continue to think that they are a luxury, not a necessity.  Hopefully, this study will help to change public perception.

Education Access is in Peril--This is Why Libraries are So Important

I saw an article in the Chronicle of Higher Education today that stated that 2-year colleges are having to limit access to education for some because of lack of resources.  Here is just a bit of the article:

April 22, 2012

Education for All? 2-Year Colleges Struggle to Preserve Their Mission

It's become harder for some students to enroll in English-as-a-second-language courses at San Joaquin Delta College. The institution has eliminated its lower-level ESL courses because of budget cuts.

By Jennifer González

The open-door policy at community colleges is unique in American higher education. It allows all comers—a retired grandmother, an Army veteran, a laid-off machinist—to learn a skill or get a credential. That broad access—the bedrock of the community-college system—has prepared hundreds of millions of people for transfer to four-year colleges or entry into the work force.
But these days, the sector finds itself in a fight to save that signature trademark.

______________________________________________________________________________

If this is true, then isn't the role of libraries, especially public libraries, even more important?   People will need to teach themselves what colleges are compelled to restrict access to.  We are needed!

This is my elevator speech. What's yours?

I am an adaptable, innovative and creative information resource professional with a talent for organization and attention to detail. I have over eight years' experience in information work.  I  instruct patrons and employees about information literacy and in how to use multiple computer systems, databases, integrated library systems and web-based educational learning tools. I can also troubleshoot minor technical issues.  I love literature and research; collection development and readers’ advisory are two of my favorite “jobs.” Reference services ranks highly, too.  My knowledge can help people and organizations become stronger because information is a very powerful commodity and can be very difficult to evaluate. I can find and organize information, create information and develop information for use as an asset.  My goal is to foster information discovery and access to resources.