KevinFromTexas
Feb 16, 2009, 5:35 AM
From the Austin American-Statesman
http://www.statesman.com/news/content/news/stories/local/02/16/0216libraries.html
LIBRARIES
More folks checking out the library
Austin, Round Rock branches see a surge in activity during economic downturn.
By Joshunda Sanders
AMERICAN-STATESMAN STAFF
Monday, February 16, 2009
Business may be slow some places, but not at Central Texas' libraries.
Across the nation, libraries are reporting patronage in record numbers. People are using library computers and other research materials to find jobs, submit employment applications and apply for unemployment benefits. Some are looking for cheaper entertainment options by checking out books, DVDs and CDs instead of buying or renting them. Others are researching ways to better manage their finances.
In nine states, staff members and patrons of libraries reported increased use of computers for job-seeking and government-related purposes, according to a 2007-08 technology access study by the American Library Association, said Larra Clark, the Chicago-based group's project manager for research and statistics. No recent national statistics are available.
Library managers in Travis and Williamson counties say they have seen an increase in the amount of materials being checked out and in overall visits to their branches. From 2003 to 2008, Austin's libraries saw increases in Internet use and circulation of about 50 percent and 17 percent, respectively.
"I've always used the library because I'm an actress and I'm cheap," said Helen Lindberg, 39, who takes free Spanish conversation classes at Austin's Faulk Central Library.
The growth comes as Austin libraries face budget cuts: City administrators are likely to reduce hours at all 20 branches by about 10 hours a week.
In Round Rock, library public services manager Rebecca Schreiner said circulation of materials has been rising monthly since August 2007, when the housing market started to change and computer maker Dell began laying off workers. In August 2007, 67,090 materials were checked out; in August 2008, the number was 80,000 — a 19 percent increase.
Austin Public Library spokeswoman Patricia Fraga said job seekers who want to access the library's list of resources for résumé-writing and job banks have helped boost Internet use.
"From the time we open up our doors until we close, the computers are always full," she said.
David Spradling, manager of central library services, said Faulk reference librarians have been taking more questions. Free classes — including ones on basic computer skills, programs like PowerPoint and ways to augment résumés — have been filling up months in advance, he said.
In Round Rock, Schreiner said reference librarians who used to see two patrons a week now answer questions from several each day.
"I've noticed more people," Round Rock Public Library Director Dale Ricklefs said. "People like to be out in the public, and if they're not spending money elsewhere, they come to us. The library is a warehouse of books, but for a number of people, it is their form of social interaction."
That's true for Paige Dunlap, 44, who said she brings her 21/2-year-old son, Julien Pivert, to the library often, but not just to peruse materials.
"It's good for him to have the public experience," she said.
http://www.statesman.com/news/content/news/stories/local/02/16/0216libraries.html
LIBRARIES
More folks checking out the library
Austin, Round Rock branches see a surge in activity during economic downturn.
By Joshunda Sanders
AMERICAN-STATESMAN STAFF
Monday, February 16, 2009
Business may be slow some places, but not at Central Texas' libraries.
Across the nation, libraries are reporting patronage in record numbers. People are using library computers and other research materials to find jobs, submit employment applications and apply for unemployment benefits. Some are looking for cheaper entertainment options by checking out books, DVDs and CDs instead of buying or renting them. Others are researching ways to better manage their finances.
In nine states, staff members and patrons of libraries reported increased use of computers for job-seeking and government-related purposes, according to a 2007-08 technology access study by the American Library Association, said Larra Clark, the Chicago-based group's project manager for research and statistics. No recent national statistics are available.
Library managers in Travis and Williamson counties say they have seen an increase in the amount of materials being checked out and in overall visits to their branches. From 2003 to 2008, Austin's libraries saw increases in Internet use and circulation of about 50 percent and 17 percent, respectively.
"I've always used the library because I'm an actress and I'm cheap," said Helen Lindberg, 39, who takes free Spanish conversation classes at Austin's Faulk Central Library.
The growth comes as Austin libraries face budget cuts: City administrators are likely to reduce hours at all 20 branches by about 10 hours a week.
In Round Rock, library public services manager Rebecca Schreiner said circulation of materials has been rising monthly since August 2007, when the housing market started to change and computer maker Dell began laying off workers. In August 2007, 67,090 materials were checked out; in August 2008, the number was 80,000 — a 19 percent increase.
Austin Public Library spokeswoman Patricia Fraga said job seekers who want to access the library's list of resources for résumé-writing and job banks have helped boost Internet use.
"From the time we open up our doors until we close, the computers are always full," she said.
David Spradling, manager of central library services, said Faulk reference librarians have been taking more questions. Free classes — including ones on basic computer skills, programs like PowerPoint and ways to augment résumés — have been filling up months in advance, he said.
In Round Rock, Schreiner said reference librarians who used to see two patrons a week now answer questions from several each day.
"I've noticed more people," Round Rock Public Library Director Dale Ricklefs said. "People like to be out in the public, and if they're not spending money elsewhere, they come to us. The library is a warehouse of books, but for a number of people, it is their form of social interaction."
That's true for Paige Dunlap, 44, who said she brings her 21/2-year-old son, Julien Pivert, to the library often, but not just to peruse materials.
"It's good for him to have the public experience," she said.