“Day Without Libraries”
Questions & Answers
The “Day Without Libraries” Grant was developed to help community members understand more about library services and funding. Libraries are busier than ever, more people using computers and meeting rooms, borrowing materials, etc. That’s the good news. The bad news is – libraries are busier than ever! Unlike in the private enterprise where an increase in business results in increased funds, in the non-profit sector, more work does not mean more income. Libraries receive 90% of their funding from tax-capped local property taxes and this limited income is being gobbled up by higher insurance rates, higher utilities and the cost of library materials.
South Suburban libraries, in particular, are doing more with less. This area has been hard hit economically and that always means more people using their local libraries to save money, look for employment and even just to keep warm. Librarians keep many statistics that determine how busy libraries are, but there are activities taking place that are not being tracked; the use of the library for tutoring, quiet study, copy machines, tax forms, even babysitting. Many people come in just to use the bathrooms.
The participating libraries include Beecher Community, Chicago Heights, Crete, Glenwood-Lynwood, Grande Prairie, Homewood, Flossmoor, Matteson, Park Forest, Richton Park, Steger-South Chicago Heights and University Park.
Library users know that they may use their home library card to check out materials at any library in the area. If their home library doesn’t have a book, a neighboring library will send it over. Cardholders can go online and order materials from all over the area and state. This cooperative network is in jeopardy and here’s why. When a neighboring library is hurting financially and cuts hours or services, - for example, Matteson was forced to shut down for 2 one-week periods last year and Crete closed Fridays due to budget constraints. Where do those Matteson and Crete patrons go? To other libraries and that places an unfair burden on the other libraries’ staff and collection. What will happen when that burden becomes too great? Libraries will restrict use to non-resident users – it is already beginning to happen. Many libraries are restricting Internet computer use to residents only, a north suburban library limits non-resident check-outs to 4 items. Could the time come when you will be carded at a library’s door? That’s a librarian’s worst nightmare – that is not what libraries are all about. We need to be free and accessible to all. But, unless we can educate people that local support is needed to keep the network viable, the network will collapse like a row of dominos.
The project scheduled is made up of three main components:
The survey will provide each participating library with a statistically valid sample of users in their building; basic demographic info, reasons and frequencies of visits, rating of library services and programs, and “willingness to pay” questions.
A final document will offer not only a snapshot of activities at each local library, but also a look at the way south suburban libraries work together to provide seamless service to all. The survey results will be published in an attractive marketable document that will present the value of library services in terms that everyday citizens can relate to and understand. It will be an excellent tool to educate the community, business and civic groups, but more importantly, it will provide the statistical evidence that local residents and decision makers demand when deciding on library funding.
This federally funded grant project through the Illinois State Library includes a professionally designed survey developed and to provide a professional consultant to help train volunteers and a readable, marketable document of the survey results. The Illinois State Library was willing to fund this grant proposal because the outcome of the project will provide valuable data for the entire library community in Illinois.