Digital Strides
Palestine Public Library continues to be an innovative library even in times of crisis. In 1992, the library was awarded the Outstanding Small Library by the American Library Association. Technologically, PPL remains at the front from the time it was one of the first small libraries in the region to have an automated catalog. Today, the library current provides its patrons with a Digital Branch which provides free downloadable audiobooks and ebooks to library customers. During this time of closure, this is for many customers one of the only ways that they have access to library resources.
The library continues to subscribe to the TexShare program through the state library. In this, customers are given access to thousands of full text articles in magazines and journals from People to Consumer Reports.
Access to Freegal Music (Free Legal Music) is in the works for library customers. This service will allow customers free access to the entire Sony music catalog for every song ever recorded on the Sony label. This is a completely new service to library patrons that has never been reachable in the past.
Partnership with Texas Workforce
Palestine, Texas is not unlike the rest of the nation that has been hit with an economic downfall and job loss in the last two years. A study done by Palestine Economic Development Council found that Anderson County has an undereducated society which lowers the employability of the population.
To help combat this, Palestine Public Library has teamed up with the Texas Workforce to offer Job Skill Computer Classes to the public. These classes are conducted at the Workforce center as the library continues to be closed. Taught by a librarian, these courses cover resume building, Office 2003 skills, and overall basic computer operational techniques.
Renovation Reach Out
In its former location, the library was locked in to old habits and old methods that were not always customer centered. Things as simple as large, bulky furniture negatively effected how librarians were able to interact with users. Librarians at PPL are seeing this collapse as an opportunity to right these wrongs and reach patrons in a whole new way.
The library hopes to reopen in its new location, The Palestine Mall, this fall. Since this is a space that is being renovated, the librarians have had an opportunity to reevaluate policies, long standing practices, and space designs in the hopes of bringing a higher level of service to the customer and the community.
RFID Implementation
Prior to the collapse, the library had already purchased its first self-checkout kiosk that enables customers to complete the checkout process on their own with their valid library card.
For this project, the library has chosen Tech Logic RFID systems. The expected customer impacts of the RFID implementation include: increased privacy/confidentiality for patron checkouts, speedier checkout, and that librarians will be available for more in depth tasks by the time that will be freed up by the capabilities of the system.
Computer Lab
In the previous space, the library was able to provide limited computer classes in a space that was not conducive to classroom instruction. In the renovation plans, a computer lab designed specifically for class instruction has been added. As library services continue to change to meet the demands of the public, it has become essential that librarians reach out to meet the users at their point of need.
Magazine Circulation
After listening to years of customer requests, for the first time ever, PPL has plans to begin circulation of magazines. In the past, the library has retained two years of most magazines and an unlimited collection of back issues of Consumer Reports.
Access for All
PPL continues to strive for ADA compliance when serving users. The library will be situated further back in the Palestine Mall, so patrons will have to enter through the main entrance of the mall. This door is fitted with an automatic opener, making it accessible for all. Aisles are to be evenly spaced with enough room to allow for wheelchair access. Prior to renovation it was determined that the existing restrooms would not allow for appropriate access. As a result, the City of Palestine has begun construction for completely new restroom facilities.
The furniture was designed for standing, seated adult and/or children to gain access to librarians. The Information Desk has two different levels - one for standing adults and one for children or seated adults. The computer monitor has been fitted onto an adjustable arm that allows it to be repositioned to a comfortable height. Librarians are able to spin the screen around for patron tutorials and instruction.
Self Service
While it is arguable that self-service can be considered less service, we at PPL are embracing the idea of self service. Across the board, libraries are experiencing staff cuts. To enable the highest amount of service, it is important that libraries evaluate what areas patrons are able and willing to serve themselves in. Ruth Barefoot of San Jose Public Library and a promoter of the San Jose Way states that roughly 80% of library customers are ready and willing to participate in self serve options. That leaves only 20% who request or require additional one-on-one assistance. Recognizing that providing higher quality services over lower quality, higher quantity services is a crucial part of giving library customers what they want.
