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Sharing the Sandbox: I & Rs and Libraries

Sharing the Sandbox: I & Rs and Libraries. AIRS Conference Reno, Nevada June 3, 2009. Why Do Libraries Do I&R?. I &R consistent with library mission(s) Expertise in collecting, organizing and retrieving information Perceived as source of reliable, unbiased information

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Sharing the Sandbox: I & Rs and Libraries

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  1. Sharing the Sandbox: I & Rs and Libraries AIRS Conference Reno, Nevada June 3, 2009

  2. Why Do Libraries Do I&R? • I &R consistent with library mission(s) • Expertise in collecting, organizing and retrieving information • Perceived as source of reliable, unbiased information • Commitment to providing information to all • I & R fits library role as community center or “information commons”

  3. Why Do Libraries Do I&R? • Lack of stigma • Reference collections and services • Accessibility and convenience • Multiple formats, technologies and languages • History of providing community I & R

  4. Brief History of Libraries and Community I & R • Social changes of 1960s caused many institutions, including libraries, to examine services and roles in the community. • Proliferation of community groups also made different kinds of information available and in demand. • Public libraries developed library information and referral centers: brochures, community information files, “information kiosks”.

  5. Brief History of Libraries and Community I & R • Librarians began getting “out from behind the reference desk” through outreach and networking with community groups . • Library-based I & R applied traditional library to a more engaged role in the community. • Computerization made management of larger amounts of complex information and greater access possible.

  6. I & R and Library Work:Similarities and Differences

  7. Post information about community services and events Some Ways That Libraries “Do” Community Information Provide specialized community information services or collections Provide print information about government services Answer questions about community services Post links to community services and events Maintain specialized database of community information resources Collaborate with local 2-1-1 call center Designate Community Information service with trained staff Provide 2-1-1 call center services Collaborate on community information database

  8. Remember that library services may change over time as a result of changing community needs and available resources. Some library-based I & R programs have been discontinued while others are still developing.

  9. What do libraries in your community do?

  10. Three great reasons for I & Rs and libraries to work together… People who need community service information can often benefit from related reference information. And vice versa.

  11. Three great reasons for I & Rs and libraries to work together… Both librarians and I & R professionals help customers find the information they need!

  12. Three great reasons for I & Rs and libraries to work together… Budget cuts are affecting many services. Collaborationbetween I & Rs and libraries – building on the strengths of each -- may be the best way to ensure the survival of community I & R services!

  13. YOUR ideas and experiences for how libraries and I & Rs can collaborate…

  14. Springfield-Greene County (MO) Library District • Provides database management for 2-1-1 Missouri • Provides online database and print directories for Springfield area • http://thelibrary.springfield.missouri.org/directory/directory.cfm • Memphis (TN) Public Library--LINC/2-1-1 • Provides regional 2-1-1 call center and database management • Provides Community Resource Room and e-mail distribution list to social services • Community I & R services since 1975 • www.memphislibrary.org/linc/211/htm Some libraries that provide or collaborate with I & R services

  15. New York (NY) Public Library—Community Information Services • Maintains bilingual online directory of community services, web links, special collection of print materials and electronic community information display screens • www.nypl/branches/services/cis.html • Middle Country (NY) Public Library—Community Resource Database of Long Island • Maintains community information database for a consortium of public and private agencies • www.crdli.org/index.html Some libraries that provide or collaborate with I & R services • Queens Borough (NY) Public Library—Community Information • Provides online databases and directories, including one for Spanish-speakers and one for immigrant populations, web links, events listings • www.queenslibrary.org/index.aspx?page_nm=Community+Information

  16. Cumberland County (NC) Public Library • Provides online links to community information databases and resources • www.cumberland.lib.nc.us/resources/Guide-fayettville.htm • Mansfield/Richland County (OH) Public Library • Provides community information links from its home page; hosts database for local I & R call center • www.mrcpl.org • San Francisco (CA) Public Library—Community Services Directory • Provides online community services database • http://sflib1.sfpl.org:83/screens/aboutcsd.htm Some libraries that provide or collaborate with I & R services

  17. National Library of Medicine/NIH (MD)—MedLine Plus—Go Local Databases • Provides links to “information about health services in local geographic areas, including hospitals, physicians, nursing homes, support groups, health screening providers”, etc.  Now available in 32 locations. • www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/golocal/index.html • Detroit (MI) Public Library—TIP (The Information Place) • Provides community information call center and database.  Has provided I & R since 1973 •   http://www.detroit.lib.mi.us/tip/index.htm/ Some libraries that provide or collaborate with I & R services

  18. Presenter Contact information • Martha Love Special Projects Coordinator, 2-1-1 CRS & Volunteer Coordinator Springfield-Greene County Library District PO Box 760 Springfield, MO 65801 (417) 883-5366 ext 266 marthal@thelibrary.org • Audrey May Public Services Supervisor/CIRS LINC/2-1-1 Memphis Public Library & Information Center 3030 Poplar Avenue Memphis, TN 38111 (901) 415-2718 maya@memphislibrary.org

  19. Follow-up • Decide on at least one “sandbox strategy” to implement with a library in your community. • Provide us with your email address. • We will email you a reminder in four – six weeks. • We’ll share your ideas and “sandbox success stories” with the group via email.

  20. Try “sharing the sandbox” with your neighborhood librarians!

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