Mid-Columbia Libraries asks for community response; KNDO 23, KNDU 25, May 31, 2022

Karlee Van de Venter,

KNDO 23, KNDU 25; Mid-Columbia Libraries asks for community response

"Mid-Columbia Libraries launched an online survey in Benton, Franklin and Adams counties on May 31 to get community opinions on library services. For the next three weeks, people can take the 18-question survey in English or Spanish and be entered to win an iPad mini. 

Anyone over 18 who lives in a city served by Mid-Columbia Libraries can take the survey, along with people living in certain other areas like unincorporated communities and branch visitors. 

While supplies last, you can pick up a free book bag at your nearest branch for completing the survey. 

“We’re asking our communities to help shape the future of their local libraries,” said Mid-Columbia Libraries advocacy and development manager, Sara Schwan. “Our communities created these libraries. They pay for these libraries. So we need to continue providing not just resources, but the right resources, based on community feedback, in the right venues and with ease of access.” 

The survey looks at demographic characteristics and asks people to rate how important certain influences are to their quality of life, like cultural diversity, educational opportunities, social connections, resource access and others. 

The survey was created after nine focus groups and town halls. It is aimed at gathering an inclusive, balanced representation of voices. 

“We listened to a diverse group of people, who identified some real strengths, such as our early literacy programs,” said Schwan. “But we also heard concern about information availability, particularly for those in unserved, underserved or historically marginalized communities. There also seems to be a desire for more multilingual resources beyond Spanish. These are just a few of the concerns that the survey will help us better understand and plan for.”"

Cuts to Welsh libraries see paid staff fall by 20%; BBC News, February 21, 2018

BBC News; Cuts to Welsh libraries see paid staff fall by 20%

"Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) figures reveal full-time paid staff fell from 1,112 in 2012-13 to 890 in 2016-17 - a 20% drop.

Meanwhile, the number of volunteers increased 13-fold, from 93 to 1,288.

The Welsh Local Government Association (WLGA) said councils were finding "innovative ways" of keeping services in a climate of cuts.

CIPFA chief executive Rob Whiteman said the overall budget cut to Welsh libraries in the last decade had been less than that in England - 18% compared to 25%."

Accessibility Makes Incremental Gains | Reinventing Libraries; Library Journal, 10/9/13

Char Booth, Library Journal; Accessibility Makes Incremental Gains | Reinventing Libraries: "Spaces. Services. Digital content. Collections. Learning experiences. Interfaces. Any way you consider it, there is no library practice that doesn’t intersect with accessibility. Accessibility is the principle that the fullest use of any resource should be given to the greatest number of individuals. More than compliance with laws and guidelines, accessibility is a form of social justice. As the most established cultural providers of public space and digital content, libraries share a responsibility to promote universal access to our full range of services for all users, regardless of whether they rely on adaptive technology or not... The work to create inclusive libraries will never end, but small and large actions can continue to advance the cause. For those of us who don’t experience disability personally, one of the best ways to understand the importance of inclusive design is by attempting to experience the path users with different types of disabilities take through our stacks, sites, and learning materials. Try accessing and navigating an ebook or online journal article using screen-reading software or another assistive technology, engage with a video tutorial with no sound or visuals and see if you can follow the content, or accompany a patron who negotiates your library with a mobility aid such as a wheelchair or service animal. While you will not be able to experience truly their path, you will perceive why removing barriers to access of any sort should be a priority of all librarians."