25 July 2008
King County style district libraries ......
More on Washington State public libraries. Before attending the conference I spent a week based in Kent County just south of Seattle itself (staying in an Extended Stay America Hotel - which was fine as a base for touring the area).
On a particularly rainy day (apparently unseasonally so for June?) I hit the mall, to discover a public library nestled amongst the retail therapy on offer.
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1. Front entrance (?) 2. Side entrance (?)
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3. Side entrance with view of mall exit with one of the anchor stores names very evident 4. View from inside to the side exit via the racks of magazines and the comfortably esconced readers.
I introduced myself to the librarian on duty (sorry that I don't have her name) as a "visiting from the UK librarian". I did wonder at the same time whether this made me sad, very sad, or extremely sad? - answers on a postcard... not really! She explained that the branch had been open for about 4 years and was popular with shoppers. She also told me that it was a nice library to work in. All age ranges were evident on my quick tour around including the 'becoming typical' terminal-user profile of young males.
Kindly the nice library lady came after me with a welcome pack for the library. It consisted of an envelope with a cheery "Hello" on the cover and included an application form plus leaflets entitled: Welcome, Open, Safety, Connect, Courtesy and Comment.
I thought people might like to see what can be done.....
I have a background in industry working for National Grid Co immediately prior to joining the professional body in 1997. My practitioner experience has all been as a solo, hence a previous job role as Workplace and Solo Adviser for CILIP.
I am now helping to set up the new Membership Support Unit at CILIP with colleagues Kathy Ennis and Angela Frampton. We have a very wide remit so it is an exciting time.
I began my library 'career' as a school librarian (I'm trying to find my badge to prove it!) and have experienced doing freelance information searching as well as setting up an interior design library (complete with brick and wallpaper samples).
My basic passion is the potential for our skill set.
I love North Wales, camping and recently discovered the pleasure of boogie boarding (with wetsuit of course - we are talking Irish sea here).
Little known fact?
I have been supporting the re-introduction of the Welsh Highland Railway since the early '80s. The railway will run through the spectaular countryside between Caernarvon and Porthmadog (including Beddgelert). Well worth a visit.
