School of Information Resources and Library Science

ASSIGNMENT 1: Discussion and paper (25%): Weeks 5 – 6 (Feb. 11 – 23)

Students should choose one of the following issues, relevant to the small and rural library services:

• Outreach
• Services to Young People
• Staffing
• Funding
• Information Services

Begin by reading the chapter or chapters in the summer, 1995, issue of Library Trends, which apply to your selected topic. The journal is available through the UA Library’s electronic databases. This reading will provide a historic overview of the topic and an understanding of the status of that issue in small and rural libraries in 1995. Next, develop this topic and bring the content up-to-date to 2007, using research of the professional literature, web research, and your own experience and independent judgment. In addition, you need to interview a librarian or library director from a small or rural library or from a state or county library agency which provides support to small/rural libraries. This interview can be conducted by phone or via e-mail and should elicit from the interviewee his / her assessment of your selected topic and how that particular issue is playing out in small and rural libraries today. Because this course is intended to include discussions of a variety of rural or small libraries, students should understand that, although the Library Trends articles primarily focus on public libraries, you are not limited in your development of the topic to a discussion of public library issues. For example, if you choose the topic, “funding,” you could focus your research on “Funding in the School Library.” Obviously, you also would select a librarian from that type of library for your interview.

During the weeks of Feb.11 – Feb. 23, the class will discuss these topics; and each student needs to be prepared to lead a discussion of his / her selected topic. For these discussions, we will set up several fora, with at least one student in each forum who has researched each of the five issues. Each person should begin by posting a summary of the findings from his or her research on his selected topic (no more than 2 pages of text, which can be in bulleted form). Then each person will be responsible for leading a discussion on his/her selected issue and also for participating in discussions of the other five issues that will be presented and led by other members of the forum.

Finally, write a five to eight page paper on your topic. Incorporate both the librarian interview and outcomes / insights gained from the discussion into your paper, along with findings from your research. Cite sources using the American Psychological Association (APA) style format. The final version of the paper will be due on Feb. 23. Assignment 2: Evaluation of a library plan (15%). Due Week of March 3-8.

Several sample plans from small / rural libraries will be available for your review. You can use one of these, or another plan from a library of your own choosing. If you choose another library’s plan, you will need to submit a copy of that plan along with your evaluation paper. Assume that you are a consultant who has been hired by the library to evaluate their current plan and then assist them in developing a strategy for updating that plan. Use information from assigned readings and class presentations and discussion to evaluate and comment on the following:

· Vision and mission statements

· Evidence of community involvement in planning

· Appropriate selection of major service focuses for library

· Goals and objectives identified for each major service focus – are they relevant, measurable; is there a timeline for achievement, etc?

· Other points that you consider relevant and important

Write a brief (no more than 3 page) summary of your evaluation and suggested action plan. In your action plan, you should be sure to address recommendations for the makeup of the planning committee, issues that should be looked at regarding the vision and mission statements, strategies for community analysis, and improvements or enhancements to the overall content and format of the current plan. Your summary is due March 8.

Assignment 3 (25%): Due March 29

Work with a partner from the class to develop a sample marketing strategy, using information from your readings, class presentations, and discussion regarding marketing strategies and tools for small / rural libraries. You may use one of the following scenarios, or a “real-life” program or marketing need from a library where you work or volunteer. Keep the resources of the small library and community in mind as you develop your plan.

SCENARIO ONE: Online information resources, including the library’s website and subscription databases provided free by the State Library, are being under-utilized. Library customers don’t know that they exist, what information is available in the various databases, or how to use them. People who don’t use the library regularly think that the library is just about books and don’t realize that the library has many electronic resources available, such as a web site, electronic databases, public access computers, etc.

a) How would you promote the library’s electronic services and resources to its customers?

OR

b) How would you make non-users aware that the library is more than “just books,” and is very much a part of the 21^st Century and the Information Age?

SCENARIO TWO: Your library has formed a partnership with a local non-profit literacy group to provide free classes and tutoring for ESL and GED preparation. How will you market this new service to the community? Consider the following audiences:

a) Funders

b) Volunteer tutors

c) Participants in the program

d) Businesses and schools who might refer potential participants

More detailed directions on the format and content of your plan will be provided on the course site. Plans are due March 29.

Assignment 4 (15%) Due April 9.

In the literature, research and identify one example of a good outreach program sponsored by a small or rural library which incorporates effective community partnerships. If it is possible, try to contact someone from the hosting library to provide additional and updated information about outcomes and current status of the program. Prepare a presentation for the class, summarizing the goals, targeted populations, partnerships, key activities, marketing strategies, and outcomes of the program and why you think it is an outstanding example library / community outreach and partnership development. Presentations must be posted on the Course Site by 12:00 midnight on Wednesday, April 9, so that other class members can review and comment during the remainder of the week.

Assignment 5 (10%) Due April 23

Visit a small / rural library or review the library where you work or volunteer. Assess that library in terms of the key concepts we have identified relevant to the “library as place” and effective customer service. Your evaluation should include, at a minimum, the following areas:

· The location of library in relation to other community agencies or services

· Potential multi-purpose use of the library space, interior or exterior

· Ease of location and identification of the building

· Use of color and signage

· Displays – placement and attractiveness

· Layout of the building

· Service desks – placement, functionality, ease of access

· Other issues that you consider relevant and important

Take pictures, as appropriate, to illustrate or support your analysis. Prepare a class presentation summarizing your findings and recommendations. Presentations must be posted to the course site by midnight, Wednesday, April 23.