At the library system where I work, South Central Kansas Library System (SCKLS), we invited members to attend one of three meetings during March 2009 which focused on the libraries’ responses to these uncertain economic times. The meetings included a complimentary lunch and provided a forum for librarians to network with other librarians, discuss strategies for addressing reduced or maintained funding, share ways of promoting their libraries as an important economic resource and identify resources to assist users seeking jobs.
Some of the questions addressed included:
• How has the current economic climate affected your library service?
• What budget cuts have you already had and what cuts do you anticipate?
• What are you doing to position your library during this economic downturn? Do you have any suggestions?
• What promotions have you done or do you have planned?
With one exception, 24 of 25 participants indicated increased recent use of the library in general and specifically: increased visits by users, circulation of library materials, use of computers and Internet resources and interlibrary loans. Among those library users who were self-identified as unemployed, library participants noted their use of library computers to file for unemployment benefits, complete online job applications and for personal education.
To see a list of responses and a list of libraries that attended please visit the
Uncertain Economic Times section of the SCKLS webpageThere you will also find further resources and links related to libraries in the current economic downturn.
Thank you
