9/15/16
Adult Services Roundtable Meeting Minutes
Location: Bessemer Library
Topic: Unique spaces/collections
Attendees:
Madalyn, Hoover
Shannon, Hoover
Deidre, Bessemer
Kelly, Springville Road
Maura, Trussville
Terri, Vestavia Hills
Christina, East Lake
Megan, Bessemer
Lori, Bessemer
Michelle, Irondale
Leigh, North Birmingham
Thank you to Deidre Sims and the staff at Bessemer for hosting us!
We talked informally about several things that are being circulated throughout the county. Specifically, Madalyn from Hoover talked about the newest edition: adult designer board games. These have been a HUGE hit at Hoover. (I will include a link to the borrowing/processing details for other libraries to see.) When I posted a photo of the display of adult games on ALA Think Tank, we got nationwide attention and responses. (If you haven't joined the ALA Think Tank group on Facebook, I highly encourage you do so. There is also a "Programming Librarian" and "Libraries & Social Media" groups that are also invaluable.) This unique collection is appealing to a younger demographic that might not be very active in public library usage. Here are some documents detailing the program:
Board Game Collection Guidelines.docx
In addition to board games, Hoover circulates Samsung tablets (taking the place of Nooks), Roku sticks (preloaded with all those "free" digital copies that now come with all our DVD/Blu-Ray copies), and WIFI hotspots. Several other libraries now circulate WIFI hotspots and are beginning to look into other technological devices to circulate. Currently, Hoover has 5 Roku sticks that are being circulated. The goal is to have them loaded with like movies to create "movie bundles/binge packages" on one device.
At Avondale, Ms. Eve has developed a Ukelele Lending program. According to Carla Perkins, "We began this program after Mrs. Eve read about similar programs in Portland, Maine, Gretna, Nebraska, Athens, Georgia, and more. After doing much research, Mrs. Eve wrote a proposal, including all the relevant circulation and cost information provided by the above mentioned libraries, as well as studies linking the study of music to improved academic performance and reduced stress levels. A small local music store, (Fretted Instruments in Homewood, Alabama) donated 5 ukuleles to get us started. When they saw the great demand they brought 8 more over for a total of 13. They all came with a very thin vinyl case which we are hoping will be enough to protect them. No damage so far! In addition to circulating the ukuleles, Mrs. Eve is teaching a once per month Saturday morning Ukulele 101 beginner’s course. The response from the community has been overwhelmingly favorable.
Specifics:
The check out period for the ukulele is the same as for a book -3 weeks.
The instrument checks out with a book, 21 songs in 6 days, by Jenny Peters and Rebecca Bogart
The Ukulele must be picked up and returned to the Avondale Library Youth Department, Birmingham Public Library System
The fee for lost or damaged instruments is $50.00
They are catalogued as ukuleles 3D
To help with maintenance, Fretted Instruments also donated extra strings"
So far, so good!! This type of thing will appeal to kids, teens and adults. And the addition of a "101" class is genius!
Another thing that was discussed were Playaway's "LaunchPads" that are circulating in children's departments. These are preloaded with games & material such as brain games, math games, STEM games, etc. For now, most are aimed at children but some libraries will be adding adult learning materials too loaded with things like crosswords, quizzes and brain games.
Lastly, we opened up the floor to discussion of a variety of things we've heard are circulating around the country such as cake pans, neckties, knitting & craft tools and household tools. BPL downtown has for many years circulated art objects -- painting and sculptures -- to anyone for longer loan periods. These unique collections can make us a wonderful testing ground for adults who like to try before they buy. One cutting-edge item discussed were Virtual Reality Goggles.
It was discussed that perhaps ASRT could create a spreadsheet that includes what libraries have what type of collection and their respective lending requirements. Also, possibly creating a checklist for unique collections -- a one-stop-shop for anyone considering investing in a unique/unusual collection. What is your opinion?
Next Meeting: Thursday, November 17, 2016 @ 10 am
Location: Springville Road Library
Topic: Library Public Relations/Promotions
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