Bus Trip
Charlotte & Mecklenburg County Libraries
Thursday March 22nd 2007
Comments
Parent and computer section together, or an area for the kids near adult computers.
Book shelf stackers held books tightly. Oversized books were under the same location as the call number.
Newspaper were held nightly, arranged magazines were circulated.
Need to rearrange a bit to have an area for kids when parents are on the internet 9Have IBM or company climate kids computer.)
If our selvers allow, we can institute the idea by purchasing the holders.
Purchase shelvers that hold newspapers
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Loved the entire trip, a wonderful experience!!!
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More face-out displays
Self-serve, hold pick up
Telephone reference
Express internet stations
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The staff at Mecklenburg libraries have a contagious enjoyment about there jobs
The guest cards for internet access was only valid for three months, and if customers would like to continue access they would have to purchase a non-resident pass for $45.00
Virtual library room for the handicapped
Children’s play area scattered throughout the main library, so parents can do research on computers.
Oversized books had call numbers on the bottom of the books
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Separate networks for public internet and catalog/ electronic resources.
The latter network consist of the public catalog and closed internet system with access to public catalog and closed internet systems; with access to electronic resources (NC live, paid electronic databases, etc.) which are reserve for reference research only and not subject to public internet access/
Only possible with a system administrator
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I liked the openness of the libraries we visited, plenty of windows.
Lots of bright colors
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M interested in the interfiling of DVD/video with books in Mountain Island Branch
Soft seating in the main library was very welcoming and comfortable. Our main library needs comfortable chairs!
I especially like the computer room at Mountain Island Branch that was one wall of glass.
The North Carolina room at Main was beautiful, open, and accessible. Durham’s NC room could use a real makeover. There are five NC full time genealogy libraries.
Checking out mp3 players with books coded on them is amazing! Offering this technology to patrons in on the cutting edge! If we had this in Durham, it would expose our patrons who might not ever be exposed to an mp3 player, an opportunity to use one.
I liked how adult computer spaces had children’s material close by when patrons are on computers; children are off to the side bored. Giving kids books in these spaces is great!
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I love the idea of having pre-loaded software on the children’s computers.
User guides by the searching computers.
Expand children’s unit story sharing kits
Some front facing shelving
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A greater collaboration between the town’s museum, Museum of Life and Science, and the Durham County Library.
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A central location for all of the computers within the library (virtual village)
Book rental service/patron holds pick up.
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Pre loaded software for computers without internet to enable children without internet permission to have computer access.
Durham Daycare Council
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Enhance our relationship between the library and the school system.
A meeting with the religious/churches within the community, to at the very lees make our schedule/calendar available within the churches and on their community boards.
The display in the Imaginon was wonderful. It would be nice to see something similar in our children’s area.
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I saw sponsors such as Wachovia and Time Warner. This would be a great way to get resources on a larger level.
All the libraries here was so inviting to all with lots of windows and color.
Child corral with books and amusements next to the adult internet on the 2nd floor.
Light and airy nature of all buildings centralized call center.
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15 minute Internet express stations.
Computers for adults with a nearby play area for their little ones.
Writing the call number on the side of the text block of oversize books shelved spine down.
Young Explorers Stations
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Display of Magazines at ImaginOn for teen section
Stuffer animals, dress up box, and letter of the month (child section)
Friend-raising focus for the friends.
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Music in the music and movie space.
Flow of traffic/movement around the space.
A greater collaboration between the town’s museum, Museum of Life and Science, and the Durham County Library.
________________________________________________________________________
A central location for all of the computers within the library (virtual village)
Book rental service/patron holds pick up.
Pre loaded software for computers without internet to enable children without internet permission to have computer access.
________________________________________________________________________
Durham Daycare Council
Enhance our relationship between the library and the school system.
A meeting with the religious/churches within the community, to at the very lees make our schedule/calendar available within the churches and on their community boards.
________________________________________________________________________
The display in the Imaginon was wonderful. It would be nice to see something similar in our children’s area.
I saw sponsors such as Wachovia and Time Warner. This would be a great way to get resources on a larger level.
________________________________________________________________________
All the libraries here was so inviting to all with lots of windows and color.
Child corral with books and amusements next to the adult internet on the 2nd floor.
Light and airy nature of all buildings centralized call center.
15 minute Internet express stations.
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Computers for adults with a nearby play area for their little ones.
Writing the call number on the side of the text block of oversize books shelved spine down.
Graphic novels in one location (YA/Adult)
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Face out shelving
DVD displayed w. relaxed books
Lots of computers
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Friend’s books for sale at all times
Vending machines
3-D story area
Ideas for innovative programming
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Flyer about changes to out-of county resident’s fee, guest and fee and qualifying for free library card
Merchandising of collections
Kids PCs with adult computers- activities to keep child entertained while parents on computers
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Book bundles for Accelerated reader – with lextile metameterics project
Parent child computer centers
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Reading areas
Ways to earn “library points” to pay off late fees
Teen hang out centers
Turn upstairs floor into teen/studio/visual arts
Purchase nearby building downtown – use as a children’s library theatre etc
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Foreign language for children
Public access catalogs give access to catalogs, databases, NCLIVE – much better use of resources
15 minute email access on computers
Low, centrally located reference desk at Main with full view of service area
Loved the colors at Mountain Island Branch
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Central location for many computers (virtual library) makes it easy to maintain, provide assistance, etc.
NC Room with space, fiche and film readers, staffing, even on weekends
Telephone reference
Independent IT department
Temperature was controlled very well, branches were very comfortable
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Separate children’s branch is an awesome idea
Literary quotes outside of the Main branch is a nice touch
Cubicle type seating that is used for the public pc’s
Imaginon
Ceiling mounted LCD projectors
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Pass thru security
Purchase memory media at library
Phone reference
Enter file VHS and DVD
E-mail express
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Small kids play area in computer area
Lots of computers in one room
Change notification of over dues
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We notify immediately for over dues
Our print notices are too numerous, we could reduce
Campaign for email notification
No lost book processing fees
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Little explorer computers for preschoolers
Book bundles
Computer lab, silent zone
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15 minute Express computers
Public art
Shelving displays in various directions
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Live homework help
Less in collections, more options, more inviting
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I must say that I really enjoyed the well-planned trip. The libraries visited were Customer-Centered. For instances, they called their meeting rooms "Community Rooms."
Maps where located in the restrooms of the lay-out the library. Bundles of children books grouped together by schools. It makes it convenient for parents who are in a hurry.
PLCMC have The Library Literacy Resources Programs for All Ages even for New or Non-English Speakers.
Tutor.Com- The personalized online homework from qualified tutors 7 days a week.
I also enjoyed the openness and colors. The staff were friendly and made you feel welcomed.
They have a wonderful North Carolina Room filled valuable resources.They even had old albums dated back as a part the N.C. collection.
The libraries visited where very clean and resources where neatly in place.
The coffee cart at the Main Library located in the lobby area for the customers and staff.
ImaginOn. I was very amazed by the library and theatre. This is definitely the place where young kids can be inspired and excited. They also have Storytimes to Go! With themes from A-Z including Celebrating Diversity kits.
The DEAR Program-"Drop Everything and Read" for 1 hour. It involves the community and staff participation.
Virtual Village- Has lots of computers and offer array of technology classes for the public. More importantly, they provide equipment and services to the disabled population who are blind or visual impaired.
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Comments (2)
Bill Nesmith said
at 2:54 pm on Mar 28, 2007
I did not go to charlotte, but in reading the comments, some of them caught my (favorable) attention immediately:
Checking out mp3 players with books coded on them
The staff at Mecklenburg libraries have a contagious enjoyment about their jobs - starts at the top!
Face-out displays
Increase collaboration with local museums
Children's center with theater
Reading areas - near coffee/gift shop
Adult computer space with children's area close by (Childen's librarians should love this!) - along with an adult space without children's area
Friend's book sale kiosk/shelf/area
dwarner said
at 1:04 pm on Mar 29, 2007
I didn't go to Charlttle but I certainly have thoughts on computers for the public, sincw we deal with them in AV all the time. I would like to: 15 minute express areas for quick printing or e0mail checks, a Quiet Area, Kid and/or kid/parent area with somethingg to occupie the kiddies, a more social area for teens or others who whant to chat while on the computer, so they could relax without disturbing tose who need quiet.
I'd like to see a single form that encompasses getting a library card, indicating Internet permission, and dvd/video agreement Lower age for parental pemission on the latter two (16? lower?). I feel silly telling a college student they need parental permission to check out a dvd.
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