Library mulls outreach options

Crystal R. Albers
Posted 4/24/19

“People like having access to what they want to have access to, and if we can help them get access, we are doing our job,”

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Library mulls outreach options

Posted

GOSHEN COUNTY – “People like having access to what they want to have access to, and if we can help them get access, we are doing our job,” Goshen County Library Director Joan Brinkley said of planned outreach efforts. “We are information specialists. We are access points.”

Later this week, online surveys will be available on the Goshen County Library’s website and Facebook page, followed by paper mailings sent to mailboxes across the area.

“How can we improve services for people who are coming to the library, and how can we improve and create services for people who do not come to the library?” Brinkley said. She has visited with various town councils in Goshen County to get a preliminary feel of the situation. “We want to know what you need – is it help with technology or help with physically getting the books out to your area? Are people satisfied with the status quo, or would they like more services?”

Brinkley said she’s heard from some community members who do not utilize the library’s services because of distance, program schedules and other issues.

“We’d like to do what we can to address those needs,” she said. “It may be something huge we look at in the future, like reinstating the bookmobile, or it could be as simple as going out and helping people learn to use their electronic devices, which we’re always happy to do.”

Simpler resolutions will see more immediate results – such as holding informational workshops about electronic devices in outlying communities – while complex fixes, including requesting books to be mailed or reinstating the bookmobile, will require additional time to bring before the library board and acquire funding.

No matter the idea, however, Brinkley said it’s important for residents to share their thoughts.

“We are happy to hear from our patron-base,” she said. “So, if you have a thought about that, don’t wait for the survey to come to you, come to us.”

Visit the library’s website at goshencountylibrary.org, or call (307) 532-3411 for more information.