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Special Libraries Association Chicago July 2012
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WE WILL NOT BE SHUSHED'Whatever the cost of our libraries, the price
is cheap compared to that of an ignorant nation.‘
- Walter Cronkite
ELEANOR CRUMBLEHULME:
“Cutting Libraries in a Recession is like
Cutting Hospitals in a Plague”
THE BAD NEWS
A majority of public libraries report flat or decreased funding despite rising circulation
9% of libraries reduced hours (16% of urban libraries)
65% report insufficient computers to meet demand
Layoffs, furloughs & hiring freezes Communities looking to privatization
WHY LIBRARIES MATTER: BY THE NUMBERS
62% of libraries are the only source of free internet access in the community
92% provide access to jobs databases 76% provide help to patrons filling out
online job applications 96% provide assistance to patrons
seeking e-government services 90% of libraries offer formal or informal
technology training
ECONOMIC IMPACT
Return on Investment (ROI), i.e. Florida study found every $1 spent created $6.40 in value.
Small biz development: access to business databases & resources for business plans
Workforce development: ESL, computer literacy
Proximity to library = $$. Users that visit the library report patronizing nearby businesses for other errands.
WAIT …THERE’S MORE!
The great information equalizer: anyone can use the library
Democracy requires an informed citizenry
Lifelong learning: collections & programs for preschoolers to centenarians
Services to new populations
….. AND MORE!
Libraries are part of the social safety net when a community is struggling economically
Defend privacy Civic engagement A Third Place
Librarians Protest at Los Angeles Mayor's House
YOU CAN HAVE MY BOOK WHEN YOU TAKE IT FROM MY COLD DEAD HAND
KNIT IN - TORONTO PUBLIC LIBRARY
BOOK BURNING PARTY - TROY LIBRARY
NOW WHAT?
CORE VALUES OF LIBRARIANSHIP
Access Confidentiality/Privacy Democracy Diversity Education and Lifelong Learning Intellectual Freedom Preservation The Public Good Professionalism Service Social Responsibility
ADVOCATE Build coalitions with your local library Spread the word – libraries matter:
write somebody/something! Decision makers Letters to the editor Social media. #libraries @RahmEmanuel
Join Friends of the Library or (ALA members) Association of Library Trustees, Advocates, Friends and Foundations (ALTAFF)
FOR MORE INFO
ALTAFF: www.ala.org/altaff/ ALA Advocacy www.ala.org/advocacy/ SaveLibraries.org ALA tracks Save the Library campaigns
www.ala.org/offices/cro/getinvolved/saveyourlibraries
CONTACT
Jessica Storrs, Research Librarian [email protected] Twitter: @afscmelibraries www.afscme.org/library Slides available at