Uptick in local library usage tied to economic times

Daily Reporter Staff

Many libraries are reporting usage spikes for the last half of 2008.

Call it a sign of the economic times.

While Spencer Public Library Director Kay Larson reported to board members this week that the local statistics were neutral, maybe even a bit down over the last six months, she noted Spencer is starting to see what other libraries are.

She pointed to the increasing usage of loaned library materials in January, as well as the increase in circulation numbers, visitors and library Web site hits. The number of materials loaned numbered 6,410 last month, which was an increase of 120 items from January 2008. There were 6,552 visitors to Spencer Public Library last month, a 4 percent increase from last year. And, the library's Web site hits skyrocketed to 513,210 in January, up from 30,276 last year.

"This is really the first month I'm seeing this 2 percent increase in circulation," Larson told board members. "Maybe this is the start of that trend here. Maybe we're just a little behind the curve or something, because our layoffs are just kind of starting now, rather than a few months ago. I don't know if we'll see that continue or not."

Candidates interviewed, policies reviewed

Seventy resumes have been received from individuals seeking the youth services position formerly held by Mary Walk, who retired from the library in December after serving 33 years.

Larson indicated she's working with Paula Brown, the library's teen librarian, to interview candidates. While the pair interviewed a fourth person Thursday, Larson indicated that assessment marked the middle of the library's interviewing process for this position. Plans are to have a person in place by the March board meeting, Larson said.

Board members also reviewed a laptop computer checkout policy being proposed. In part, it states: "In order to checkout a laptop for in-house use, the user must be 14 years old and have a valid library card. A valid picture identification card must be left at the front desk while the computer is being used. The ID will be returned in satisfactory condition."

Other parts of the policy, as currently written, outline the use of headphones, saved and printed files, the transfer of its use to another person, and the repercussions for obscene site access: "Use of the laptop may not be transferred to another user without the return of the equipment first.

"No one may send, receive or display text or graphics that may reasonably be construed as obscene. If caught purposely browsing a pornographic site, individuals must surrender their card and leave the library. They will lose all library privileges for one year. Library staff will have final authority in judging the nature of a site."

Board members directed Larson to also craft policy verbiage about the penalties that would be associated with damage caused by deliberate acts or negligence. The revised laptop computer checkout policy is expected to be reviewed by the board again next month.

The board was also notified of several proposed changes being contemplated for library policies related to the building's Round Room use, computer use, meeting room regulations and Pharos sign-up software policy and procedures. Additional changes suggested are to be brought back for consideration during the March meeting.