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Public Library Study
ILS 561 - Public Libraries
Myra Emmons
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Part A. Statistical information and description of Gordon-Nash Library
Gordon-Nash Library is a small rural library that serves mainly the community of New Hampton, NH, though patrons also come
from communities in the surrounding area and from out of state, as tourists or summer residents. The population of New Hampton
is 1,950 (2000 US Census); the surrounding communities have a combined population of about 12,000. Pertinent library statistics
include:
• A staff of 2 full-time librarians, 3 part-time library aides, 3 volunteers and 1 part-time custodian. The director
and assistant have worked in this library a combined total of 29 years; they have some formal library science training, though
neither holds an MLS. The aides have all completed some library training courses, and one has completed several graduate courses
in library science.
• The total collection numbers over 39,000 items, including:
o 100 music CDs
o 1200 audiobooks (the majority on cassette tape)
o 1600 videos
o 12,000 adult fiction titles and 6,000 juvenile/YA fiction
o 12,000 adult non-fiction titles; 4500 juvenile/YA non-fiction
o 700 reference titles
o 7 local/regional newspaper subscriptions; 80 periodicals (print)
• 4 public computers (2 internet-dedicated and 2 for searching library catalog)
• Access, through NHSL, to databases like Ebsco, Ancestry Plus, HealthSource, Novelist, and ERIC.
• 3 office computers for administrative tasks – reports, ILL - and 2 computers for circulation activities. There
is no self-checkout.
• The library has a registered patron base of over 7200; of these, approximately 4600 are current active patrons.
The Gordon-Nash Library was established in 1896. The original building has been expanded, but there are no branches. It is
governed by a board of trustees, to whom the director reports. The board develops policies based on the recommendations and
reports of the director; the director implements those policies, programs and services approved by the board.
GNL does offer some programs and services, but outreach is limited by the currently dim financial outlook. Two book discussion
groups (one daytime, one evening) are conducted each month. Toddler reading times are regularly scheduled, and the summer
reading program is very popular. Because so many parents work, and after-school activities are available at the local community
school, older reading groups or homework sessions at the library were not well-attended. The director has looked into other
programs in cooperation with the schools, but at this time there are no financial resources to develop outside programs. Several
classes from the elementary school come to the library weekly for story times, crafts and free reading. The library also hosts
special presentations by a variety of clubs and individuals from the community, as well as regularly scheduled meetings for
musicians, writers, garden clubs and the Friends of the Library group.
The library uses automated systems for checkout, collection data, financial and patron record-keeping and the electronic catalog.
Though the library does maintain a website with library hours and other information, the catalog is not accessible online,
nor can patrons reserve, check out or renew items on the internet at this time.
Because Gordon-Nash is such a small library, there are no formal department designations. The director handles most of the
collection development, budget and reports. She conducts programs for children, and both she and the assistant director lead
book discussion groups. When necessary, they also pitch in with circulation, reference or additional duties normally assigned
to other staff. The assistant director helps with financial and administrative duties, including processing of ILL requests,
editing and maintenance of materials records, and supervision of the library assistants and volunteers, who perform most of
the circulation, patron assistance, shelving and materials processing activities.
Part B: Library Walkabout Report
Looking at the library from the street, passersby might first notice the warm golden brick façade; the steps leading into
the building are bordered by shrubs and decorated with carefully tended tubs of flowers. A shaded granite bench beckons to
one side; the book drop stands just at the bottom of the steps. The ornate doorframe draws the eye, and the glass opens the
view, beckoning to the hesitant: ‘Come in, welcome to your library’. An inscribed plaque in the entrance affirms
the library’s mission:
“Open and free to all residents, students and sojourners”
The granite threshold leading from the small vestibule into the library proper shows wear, but the shallow trough worn smooth
by the ancestors of today’s patrons is charming rather than shoddy. The building interior is clean and well-tended.
The circulation desk faces the entrance, so that librarians can greet patrons as they enter. The space is open and well-lit;
the children’s area is easily visible on the left, and the public access computers are to the right of the circulation
desk in the open reference room. The audio materials and videos are also in this area, as well as work tables and seating.
The overall first impression is of light, airy, open space.
The circulation counter is the center of attention: it is used for new patron registration, checkouts and returns, information
and reference. At least two staff members are on duty, and one is always at or near the circulation desk. One nice feature
of the counter is its openness, and one end has a work area at child height - fostering interaction with, rather than intimidation
of, patrons of all ages. Book group selections, special program information and holiday decorations are displayed here as
well.
Down a wide corridor the stacks are visible: fiction shelved alphabetically on the right, and non-fiction titles by Dewey
classification to the left. At the rear of the fiction stacks is a large reading area with comfortable seating, several work
tables, periodical displays and community display cases. The ends of the stacks are used for special subject displays and
staff picks, and signs clearly identify the materials in the stack. The bookstacks themselves are orderly, in good condition,
and placed so that patrons have space to move and materials are easy to reach. Dewey posters are affixed at each end of the
non-fiction stacks.
Aides and volunteers shelf-read on a regular basis, reshelving misplaced items and removing damaged books to be mended or
replaced. Bulletin boards – one inside and one outside – provide information on library and community events.
Flyers are regularly reviewed, and events that have gone by are weeded out. A water fountain is centrally located near the
stacks, staff workroom and reading areas. An elevator and door bell were installed to make the library handicapped accessible.
The computers for public access are near the circulation area, in the relatively quiet reference area. Patrons sign an acknowledgement
and agree to abide by library policy (time limits, no downloads to the hard drive or changing of any system settings). Staff
can easily monitor the time users spend at the terminal, so that patrons do not have to wait long for internet use. Sessions
are generally limited to 30 minutes, though patrons continue as long as no one is waiting. ‘Sojourners’ (non-resident
adults 18 or over) are restricted to 15 minute time blocks. There is no filtering, so parents must sign a permission form
for children under 18, indicating whether the child may have unrestricted use, or must be accompanied by the parent.
The children’s area is visible but separated from the adult use areas. There are toys, puzzles and games, child-appropriate
furniture and quiet reading cubbies. New books are displayed prominently; posters and materials from summer reading programs
decorate the walls, and theme displays highlight current programs or events.
The downstairs level of the library houses two restrooms, a children’s activity room with art and craft supplies, two
meeting rooms available for public use, a small kitchen, storage areas and special collections. The meeting rooms are used
regularly for group meetings, book discussions, special programs, music recitals and art displays. The special collections
include the “Down” collection, comprised mostly of older books too valuable to discard but rarely requested, which
are still available for circulation. The “Nash” collection includes original materials with which Judge Nash established
the library. These books are available to read on request, but do not circulate. Items in the “Fire Closet” are
rare, valuable or irreplaceable – old records, town histories, maps, and so on. These materials are kept in a locked
area, and may only be accessed with the permission of the director.
The best qualities of the Gordon-Nash library include:
• Friendly, welcoming, helpful staff – knowledgeable and quick to offer cheerful assistance.
• Excellent collection for library size, with a good balance of fiction and non-fiction titles, extensive large-print,
audiobook, video and children’s collections.
• Light, comfortable, clean and spacious physical environment.
• Central location and extended hours of operation to accommodate patrons’ needs.
Improvements could be made in:
• Signage. The library needs to better delineate sections; signs hung from the ceiling to indicate the fiction and nonfiction
sections, for example, would be very helpful to new patrons.
• Policy review. Though mostly up-to-date, some policies (e.g., no outside floppy disks may be used) seem unnecessarily
restrictive, and actually create a difficult environment for some patrons.
• Public relations. The library would benefit greatly – and could better serve the community - by developing a
more assertive presence. By fostering a good relationship with other local organizations and media, the library might well
create more positive responses, resulting in increased demand and (with any luck) increased funding.
Part C. Librarian Interview
In an interview conducted on March 25, 2005 the library director spoke about her job, the challenges faced each day, and her
vision for the future.
The Job
“One of the things I like about being director of a small library is the variety of tasks. I never get bored, because
there are so many projects to work on. I am responsible for working with the board to keep current on policies and issues.
I implement board policies, develop annual budget figures, keep accurate records and reports, purchase materials, supervise
staff and generally keep things running smoothly.”
A Brief History
“I actually have a degree in education, and started out teaching in California. I worked in the college science library
while in school, and when we moved to NH, I started working at this library. I have worked under 3 different directors, and
I became director in 1996. As of this year, I have been with GNL for 20 years. I don’t hold an MLS. I’ve taken
advantage of training opportunities through the State Library, but I learned most of my library skills ‘on the job’!”
Favorites and Challenges
“My favorite part of the job is collection development. I really enjoy browsing through material reviews, choosing the
best items I can find to fill in holes, or to replace outdated materials. I also enjoy connecting people with the information
they need. My least favorite parts are maintaining the aging building and working on the budget, but I suppose that’s
a necessary evil.
I think the biggest challenge for us at GNL in the near future is technology – keeping up with new developments, staying
current with equipment, and training staff and patrons. The computers are the least of it – new software and upgrades,
tech support and electronic resources packages take a big bite out of our budget.”
Wishes…
“I wish I had more computer knowledge. Of course, when I started my library career, technology really wasn’t a
consideration, but now it is essential. If I could make any changes in this library or my job, I would reconfigure our work
space - it’s not very efficient, and it’s difficult for anyone working back here to keep a close eye on the circulation
area.
I’d also really like to create a ‘New Hampshire’ room, with space for special state-related materials, resources
and work areas for patrons wanting to do historical or genealogical research. Perhaps most importantly, I’d like to
make our collections available online – set up online catalog access, with ILL and circulation capabilities. I guess
I’d like to see Gordon-Nash Library offer more technology choices without losing that comfortable, personal level of
service.”
Part D. Community Analysis Profile
Profiling Your Community
Name of Town: New Hampton Total Population: 1,950
Age Group
Population Percent
0-4 years 112
5.4
5-19 450
23.4
20-34 318
16.3
35-54 656
34.1
55-64 173
8.7
65 and above 241
12.1
Note: Age group divided by total population = % of population.
Walkabout: Notes/Thoughts about New Hampton
Walking around the community was not only refreshing, but provided a different perspective as well – a perspective at
once less stereotypical, more personal and reflective, and more realistic.
New Hampton is quite a small town – easy to miss, if you blink. There is little industry in the area. Reminiscent of
the sleepy rural village in Hitchcock’s The Trouble with Harry, the town center boasts one main road and a few winding
secondary roads. Yet it sits smack in the center of the state, adjacent to a busy exit off Interstate 93. A flood of commercial
building has inundated the area. Affordable housing is scarce. Residential building will increase in the near future, though
for now the town retains the look and feel of rural New England.
The New Hampton School consists of a number of stately, well-cared for buildings (dorms, classrooms, administration, theater
and athletic centers) and tended grounds; but as the enrollment at NHS has declined in recent times, the impact has affected
the town as well. Due to these changes - the loss of boarding students, the significant increase in local commerce, and the
influx of new residents - the face of New Hampton is changing.
The effects of change on the library are already noticeable in certain areas. For example, the need for better signage has
already been noted, and the number of new patrons has prompted the updating of many library policies. There is more demand
for computer and internet access. Circulation of fiction and some non-fiction subjects has increased, and the ILL librarian
practically has to leap tall buildings.
What about area businesses? What can the library expect from business, and what can it for local businessmen? Though a library
should not be a mere extension of some corporate venture, neither should it simply expect local businesses to donate funds
and materials as a matter of course. The businesses which understand the benefits of supporting the institution – improvement
of community resources, fostering a sense of loyalty to community, and appreciation of local citizens - are the businesses
most likely to continue that support.
The following is a look at New Hampton’s business resources:
Telephone Book Study
How many other sources of information are available in your community? Do they focus locally or on a larger territory?
Local newspapers ___1____
Local radio stations __1____
Local TV stations ___0____
Bookstores ________0_____
Video stores _______1_____
Music stores _______0____
Comm access cable __1____
Internet services ____1____
How many other libraries are located in your community?
School (elementary, jr/sr high) _____________1____
Academic (tech schools, college/university) ___1____
Hospital/medical ________________________ 0_____
Legal _________________________________0_____
Corporate ______________________________0____
Other _________________________________0____
List the number of schools in your community. Are they private or public?
Public Private
Pre-schools ___0___ __1___
Elementary ___1___ __0____
Middle/Jr.High ___1___ __0____
High Schools ___1___ __1___
Vocational ___0___ __0____
Community colleges ___0__ __0____
Colleges/universities ___0__ __0____
1. List the number of medical care organizations in your community:
Hospitals ___0_____
Clinics ___2_____
Adoption agencies ___0_____
Hospices __1______
Long-term care ___1_____
Rehabilitation ___0_____
Estimate the number and types of the following organizations that have telephones in your community:
Churches, synagogues and mosques ____3______
Other religious organizations ____1______
Fraternal organizations ____3______
Sports related organizations ____2______
Service organizations ___7_______
Are there any state or county offices in your community? ___No_
How many of the following personal services do you find listed in your phone book with the telephone prefix for your community?
Beauty shops _______4___
Gyms ______1____
Travel agencies ______2____
Investment related ____1______
Banks _____3_____
Hobby related _____3_____
Massage ____1______
Other __________
What are the "others"?
How many professional services did you find?
Doctors _____3_____
Which specialties? General Practice, Chiropractic
Dentists _____1_____
Lawyers _____4_____
Architects ____2______
Accountants ___3_______
Realtors ___8_______
Carpenters/builders ___5_______
At how many places can someone take classes in your community?
Dance ____3______
Music _____1_____
Could someone buy any of the following household items in your community?
Furniture _____Y___
Windows _____Y____
Gardening ____Y____
Appliances ____Y____
Bldng supplies _Y____
Home deco. ___Y_____
Home repair ___Y____
What else did you find in the phone book?
In addition to the yellow pages business information, the local phone book contains local calling area information and prefixes,
emergency and government services telephone numbers, coupons valid at local businesses, and restaurant information, including
locator maps.
Part E. Mission Statement and Collection Development Policy
Mission:
Gordon-Nash Library is dedicated to providing free access to recreational, informational and educational library materials
to all “residents, students and sojourners”. Gordon-Nash Library encourages educational and cultural development
through the use of its facilities.
This mission statement addresses the most basic purpose of the Gordon-Nash Library – its ‘raison d’etre’
in the community. According to the article Developing a Mission Statement, the most successful missions are measurable, definable,
and actionable project statements with emotional appeal. The main statement of the Gordon-Nash Library mission does contain
these elements, though emotional appeal seems a subjective criterion. The goal of providing free access to all is well defined,
easily enacted and measured.
The mission statement packs a lot of information in a small package. By reading this brief statement, patrons and staff recognize
that the library provides free access to information for anyone who requests it, and that the library provides free use of
its facilities. This is true to a point, but of course the requirements for such use are not evident. For example, anyone
may request a library card, for which there is no charge, but the user must have identification and an address, to protect
the library in the event of lost or damaged materials. All are free to use the facilities, but meeting rooms must be reserved
in advance, and cannot be used for commercial or for-profit enterprise. Access to the internet requires an ID card or driver’s
license; users under 18 are not allowed access without parental permission. Though such requirements cannot be specified in
a brief mission statement, these restrictions are part of written policies that are available to the public.
The scope of the library’s mission is also evident in the statement, which cites access to “recreational, informational
and educational library materials”. These terms encompass a full range of materials and formats without restriction
to specific types, titles, subjects or formats. However, one important facet of service which is not evident is that of instruction.
This differs from ‘access to educational materials” in that it is more proactive; patrons may benefit from instructional
services by learning how to more effectively access educational materials, for example.
By including the statement that the library “encourages educational and cultural development through the use of its
facilities”, the library opens its facilities for such community uses as art exhibits, presentations of literature,
historical or creative merit, or other cultural enrichment activities.
Gordon-Nash Library Collection Development Policy
Mission Statement
Gordon-Nash Library is dedicated to providing free access to recreational, informational and educational library materials
to all “residents, students and sojourners”. Gordon-Nash Library encourages educational and cultural development
through the use of its facilities.
Philosophy and Goals
The policy reflects the wishes of Judge Nash to establish a free public library for “residents, students, or sojourners.”
It was created by the Executive Committee, with input from the Library Director, in accordance with the bylaws of the Corporation
of the Library.
Since it is free and open to all, the service community encompasses people from varying backgrounds, tastes, abilities, and
ages. The primary patrons of the library are preschoolers, students and faculty from the Newfound Area School district, students
and faculty from the New Hampton School, area residents, and visitors. We interpret the word “students” in the
quote from Judge Nash’s will to imply that this library will cooperate with schools.
The extensive scope of Judge Nash’s collection determines that books and other materials of the Gordon-Nash Library
represent world thought without prejudice or personal bias. These materials reflect varied points of view and attempt to further
the educational, informational, and recreational interests of the patrons. The library shall have school visits from New Hampton
Community School, story hours, instruction and a summer reading program for children, as well as various book discussions
and informational programs to meet patron’s needs and interests.
In recognition of its responsibility to provide a wide scope of viewpoints, Gordon-Nash Library will endorse the Library Bill
of Rights (Appendix A) adopted by the American Library Association (ALA) Council, the Freedom to Read Statement (Appendix
B) adopted by the ALA and the Association of American Publishers, and the Freedom to View Statement (Appendix C) endorsed
by the ALA Intellectual Freedom Committee and the ALA Council.
Responsibilities for Selection of Materials
The Library Director will assume the responsibility for the final selection of materials and evaluation of gifts for inclusion
in the collection. A Selection Advisory Committee will assist the Library Director and may include the Assistant Director,
Children’s Librarian, staff members, members of the Corporation and such community members as may be requested by the
Library Director to serve. It is the responsibility of the committee to follow the guidelines of the materials selection policy
to ensure that materials selected are of the greatest value to the library. Patron request forms will be available for the
public to request books for purchase or inter-library loan.
Library materials shall not be withdrawn because of pressure or disapproval by groups or individuals unless the materials
no longer serve some such need as indicated below. See “Procedures for Handling Questioned or Challenged Materials”
(Appendix D) and “Citizen’s request for Reconsideration of Material” (Appendix E).
Selection of Materials
Each work is considered as a whole using any or all of the following criteria. No criterion is more important than another.
1. Authoritativeness of author and/or publisher
2. Significance of subject matter and/or author
3. Accuracy and objectivity of information
4. Literary merit or quality
5. Importance to total collection
6. Potential or known use by patrons
7. Appearance of the work on important bibliographies, lists, book review media
8. Current and/or permanent value
9. Scarcity of materials on subject
10. Availability of material elsewhere in the area
11. Price in relationship to subject and need
12. Format and quality of print, illustration and binding
Types of Materials Selected
Books
The library will collect fiction and non-fiction books in hardcover, soft cover and paperback formats. These books will include
a range of reading abilities from picture books and easy readers for children to juvenile and young adult novels to adult
novels. The collection will include high-0interest, low reading level books, as well as popular works. Special consideration
will be given to works appearing on the summer reading lists for the local schools as well as materials for homeschoolers.
Textbooks will not be selected unless they are current and contain material not found elsewhere in the collection. The library
will maintain a collection of large-print books in both fiction and non-fiction, acquiring softcover whenever possible. Paperbacks
will also be acquired for high-use, popular series titles. The library will collect material related to New Hampton’s
history, including church and club records, as well as genealogical material of the town’s families. Material dealing
with New Hampshire will also be collected.
Reference
The library shall collect materials to maintain a reference section in both the adult area and the children’s room.
These materials will include encyclopedias, dictionaries, atlases, college guides, GED prep, and general reference works that
reflect the subject areas of the circulating collection. The reference collection will be non-circulating.
Serials
The library will purchase the following serials: Books in Print, Book Review Digest, Reader’s Guide to Periodicals (unabridged),
Fiction Catalog, Public Library Catalog, and Children’s Catalog.
Magazines
These additional criteria shall be used in the selection of magazines:
1. Accessibility of content through indexes owned by the library
2. Demand or local interest in subject matter
3. Need in reference work
4. Representation of a point of view or subject needed in the collection
The library will subscribe to various magazines for children and adults through a subscription service and through independent
publishers. The titles will vary according to the budget, patron interest, varying points of view and the decision of the
Library Director. Unsolicited magazines will be displayed at the discretion of the Director when there is a desire to gauge
interest level. Unsolicited magazines containing inflammatory information or a specific identified agenda will not be displayed.
Back issues will be maintained based on the content of the magazine and the availability of same through the State Library’s
Article Express or Ebsco database. The library will have the following magazines bound: National geographic and Time. They
will be kept indefinitely as space allows.
Newspapers
The library will subscribe to national, state and local newspapers as the budget allows and retain them for 3 months, except
for the Record Enterprise, which will be kept indefinitely as space allows.
Vertical File
Advertising pamphlets which distort facts, have commercial messages, or contain misleading statements are not added. Propaganda
pamphlets are naturally expected to be one-sided, but those in which the propagandist’s intent is clearly indicated
by the publisher’s name or statement of purpose are preferred. A clear, moderate statement of viewpoint is sought, and
emotional or inflammatory treatment is avoided. The file shall contain pamphlets, newspaper articles, and publications to
augment subject areas contained in the regular collection.
Documents
The library will collect government documents of historical nature as needed. These will include but not be limited to: The
Statistical Abstract of the United States, the RSAs, and the Town Reports for New Hampton. Documents needed by patrons but
not owned will be requested through ILL from one of the state or federal depository libraries.
Non-Print Materials
Criteria used in the selection of non-print materials are:
1. Literary, scientific, recreational or artistic quality of material
2. Durability and design
3. Portability
4. Contribution the item will make to the collection
5. Format
6. Current and future demand
7. Budgetary limitations
Types of Materials Selected
1. Audiotapes
2. Mixed media kits
3. Videotapes
4. Puzzles/Games/Realia
5. Electronic resources (including but not limited to software, games, CD-ROM reference, databases, and web sites).
Audiotapes
The library will collect audiotapes for adults and children. Tapes will be single-track type in the following areas: instructional,
foreign language, general reference, popular fiction, and self-help. Audio books will be collected in the abridged format
adding unabridged as the budget allows. Book CDs will be collected if a demand for that format is seen, and the budget allows.
Mixed Media Kits
The library will collect mixed-media kits for both adults and children. The kits for adults will be mainly foreign language,
self-help, and instructional material. The kits for children will be mainly picture-book stories with a follow-along tape.
Videotapes
The library will collect videotapes for both children and adults in the VHS format. The tapes will include current and classic
movies, series such as instructional, PBS, Nova, National Geographic, and tapes dealing with New Hampshire.
Puzzles/ Games/ Realia
Children’s puzzles are collected. Adult puzzles are accepted as donations. Games and other realia are added to the children’s
room as needed and are non-circulating.
Electronic Resources
1. Materials in electronic format will reflect the library’s collection development and acquisition policies
2. Resources will offer some value or added enhancement to make it preferable to or a significant addition to other print
resources
3. Resources will be reviewed in a professional journal and/or researched at another library for content, access, support
and cost
4. Resources should be updateable
5. Resources selected may include internet-accessible databases, such as EbscoHost or a World Wide Web site that has been
bookmarked and evaluated
6. Library staff will review the content of such resources to ensure their continued value to the patrons
Non-Collected Materials
Although some of the following materials are in the collection, space, the budget, and lack of demand do not allow for actively
collecting these items: filmstrips, audio records, music audiotapes and CDs, art prints, games and microfiche.
Gifts
The library welcomes gifts, but reserves the right to decline any materials if they are duplicates, outdates, in poor condition,
not in a collected format, or deemed inappropriate. The library does not accept audio records. Back issues of magazines are
accepted to replace lost or damaged material. Puzzles are accepted.
The library reserves the right to dispose of material if it is not an acceptable library item meeting the above requirements.
The library shall not accept collections for housing or deposit with the original owner retaining possession. Donated collections
shall be integrated into the general collection, the only form of donor identification being a bookplate. The library shall
acknowledge gifts but shall not assign monetary values to them. Gifts of significant historical, monetary or artistic value
shall be accessioned with a deed of gift form.
Collection Maintenance
In order to maintain a viable collection, materials shall be weeded from the collection as needed, according to professional
standards such as the CREW Method - Continuous Review, Evaluation, Weeding (see booklet). The material will be disposed of
in the following manner:
1. Given to another institution, if appropriate
2. Sold to book dealers or collectors, if appropriate
3. Sold in the library’s book sale
4. Treated as refuse and disposed of accordingly
Guidelines for Weeding
Materials shall be weeded if:
1. Damaged – yellow, brittle, dirty, mutilated or missing pages; broken spines
2. Obsolete – outdated or false information, old copyright, unused volumes of sets; repetitive series; superseded editions
3. Duplicates – titles no longer in demand
4. Used infrequently, according to the CREW method
The collection development policy for Gordon-Nash Library is overall clear, concise, comprehensive and well-written. It contains
the mission statement and philosophy of the library, and information on responsibility and guidelines for selection. It identifies
types of materials, including specific details within each type, and explains library procedures regarding donations, collection
maintenance and weeding. The appendices provide further information and details on legal and philosophical issues, and forms
for challenged material issues (appendices are not included here; these or similar documents may be accessed through the ALA
website).
Though the collection development policy is valuable as a guideline, there are aspects which are not addressed or described.
When compared to some other sample policies, the Gordon-Nash collection policy reveals some weaknesses. For example, the policy
lists guidelines for selection of materials by type (books, serials, etc.), but does not provide details about the current
status of collections; nor does it mention information specific to non-fiction work, such as the use of Dewey classification,
or current needs or interests in particular subject areas. There is little information on other available sources for materials
lacking in the library’s collection – for example, an explanation that GNL does not collect DVDs, but does make
these materials available through a consortium. The policy does note that some materials which the library no longer collects
are available for circulation. The collection development policy as written serves well enough, but has not been reviewed
since 2001. The addition of information on current collections, subject areas, and formats would be of value, and re-evaluation
of the community might indicate a need for further changes in both the collection policy and in library services.
Part F. A New Service for the Extended Gordon-Nash Library Family
One of the issues that the library/community assessment revealed was a lack of marketing of library services. Other than occasional
listings in the ‘community calendar’ section of the local paper, there is little publicity about the library,
the services or programs it offers, or special events that may be scheduled. To help bring the Gordon-Nash Library more into
focus in the community, and to enhance public relations with the media and members of the community, I propose creating a
regular monthly feature for the newspaper called “The Open Book”, presented by GNL (please see Appendix).
An introductory feature – The little library that could… - will introduce the library, with a brief history of
the Gordon-Nash Library, and a synopsis of current services. Below is a list of subjects I would like to address in a series
of future articles; following the bibliography is a preview of the feature as it would be presented.
Topics for “The Open Book” Series:
• “Do the DEWEY!” (How subject organization works, why we ‘classify’)
• “The Book Whisperer” (DOs and DON’Ts for gentle book handling and care)
• “What if I break it?!” (Dealing with fear of technology; what it can do for us)
• “Hobby Horse” (Variety of clubs that meet in area libraries; sources for hooking up with others who share
your interests)
• “New Kid on the Block” (getting acquainted with the community; resources for helping new neighbors settle
in)
• “Bookcrossing” ( a website for “sharing the wealth” of good books)
• “Who do you love?” (Favorite authors in a series of genres – multiple articles!)
• “I have a report due tomorrow!” (research/reference tips for students)
• “Library Etiquette” (From “shushing” -who does that anymore?- to dealing with the rude, crude,
and socially unacceptable)
Bibliography
Collection Development Assessment. Retrieved April 20, 2005 from http://montanalibraries.org/ILLTraining/collectionpolicy.htm
Community Analysis Worksheets. Retrieved April 20, 2005 from
http://skyways.lib.ks.us/pathway/profile.html
Developing a Mission Statement. Retrieved April 19, 2005 from http://www.toolkit.cch.com/text/P03_4001.asp
Gertzog, A. (1994). Administration of the Public Library. Metuchen, New Jersey: Scarecrow Press.
Verizon Telephone Directory. (2004, July). Laconia-Franklin-Plymouth Area.
Appendix: “The Open Book” sample feature article
The little library that could…
Once upon a time in a sensible little village a boy grew up wishing he could travel the world and have exciting adventures.
The youngster grew up to become a judge, and a well-respected resident of the kingdom. Though he later moved to Lynnfield,
Massachusetts, he never forgot the enchanting village of his youth, or his love of books. He once said, “A great book
is a great thing. It is alive.” He compared entering a library to the thrilling experience of entering a roomful of
heroes.
In 1896 the Gordon-Nash Library first opened to the public, a result of the generous bequest and considerable foresight of
Judge Stephen Gordon Nash. He established the library to honor the town of his birth and his parents, John and Abigail Gordon
Nash.
What an amazing feat! One man’s dream, matched by his financial generosity, made this unique library possible. At a
time when most public libraries had fewer than 400 books in their collections, GNL held a total of over 10,000 – the
majority of which were bequeathed by Judge Nash himself. In 1912, the children’s library was formally recognized, and
in 1927 the community room was opened to public use. Lucy Baker instituted the first “Story Hour” in 1942 –
a traditional service that continues today. The Gordon-Nash Library – open to all -is still the only independent, privately
funded free library in New Hampshire.
So stop in and see us, soak up a little local history, get a free library card – and keep the dream alive and growing!
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