As a longtime library patron, I am excited about the planning for an improved Main Branch of the Durham Public Library.  I recently visited Columbus, Ga. and toured its year-old library.  It is a lovely, practical and popular building.  Some of its best features are included in the innovations I have listed below for consideration for the Durham Public Library.   In the future, I will visit the websites of other libraries around the country and report on any other innovations that I come across.

 

www.thecolumbuslibrary.org

 

1.  Reference materials and computers are in separate rooms for privacy and quiet.

 

2.  Has a library bookstore that is open 2-3 days a week for several hours at a time (may be staffed by FOL)

 

3.  Has two email homework help services: one via instant messaging and another via regular email (may be staffed by retired teachers)

 

4.  Provides other research and database sites such as:

 

     A.  Learn-A-Test, a service that allows users to practice standardized tests such as the SAT, ASVAB and GED

     B.  Net Library, provides downloadable audio books for free

 

(These two databases are provided to Durham County library by NCLive, which you can find at www.nclive.org.  Please call your local branch of the Durham County Libary for the current password)

 

5.  Has a small deli similar to the ones in Borders or Barnes and Noble bookstores

 

6.  Provides free meeting space for writing groups

 

(Durham County Library does offer free meeting space.  You can contact the Administrative office to reserve the rooms.  There is only a charge if you bring food.)

 

7.  Saves money by using volunteer pages

 

 

Observations and questions about the new regionals and our current library system in general:

 

1. The catalog kiosks, the computer workstations and the solo desktops in East and North Regional need to be wider.  Consider allotting room for

    compostion tablets and notebooks?

2. Only the main branch is open on Sundays and that is just in the afternoon.  Consider alternate Sunday openings of the other branches?  Or  

    Sunday morning openings?

 

(This is a need which is being worked on.)

 

3. Interlibrary loans can be obtained only by filling out a card at a branch.  Consider creating interlibrary loan requests online?

 

www.skokielibrary.info and www.bpl.org (Boston Public Library)

 

1.  Self-guided computer instruction via select computers with self-teaching software

 

2.  Additonal databases such as MagillOnLiterature Plus and the Short Story Index

 

3.  Ability to search the library's website pages

 

4.  FAQ's for departments such as circulation and reference as well as for traditional events like the FOL book sales

 

5.  Online sign-up for library cards, interlibrary loans, and computer classes

 

6.  Log-in on home page including the "remember on this computer" option

 

7.  Have a DPL Schoolhouse, modeled after the BPL Schoolrooms, to offer students information on a variety of courses

 

 

The old North Durham branch had a magazine exchange area that allowed me the chance to read magazines that I ordinarily would not buy.  The librarians decided which donated magazines would go on display and there were many unfamiliar ones for me to explore.  I could also donate my own.  I have not visited the new North Regional, but I hope this practice has been continued and would love for it to be expanded.  Bins like those in the entryway of East Regional might serve as the magazine exchange display.