Read through for the latest news about building support for a new library in El Cerrito! Below, we have a report on what needs work in the 2006 library needs assessment. Also, meet committee member Tom Rogers, and read an original piece, “Building the Commonweath” by poet Tess Taylor as the first in a new series, A Writer’s Perspective, highlighting El Cerrito’s many published authors and working artist.
Volunteers Give Recommendation for Updated Needs Assessment
A volunteer subcommittee comprised of Damian Hayden, MLIS, Dorothy Coakley, MLIS, Amy Rogers, MLIS, and Amalia Cunningham reviewed the existing 2006 Needs Assessment (NA) for a new library facility. Given that seven years have elapsed since it was completed, our volunteers found that an updated NA should, among other items:
- Analyze economic development benefits from newer libraries built in other communities;
- Reconsider linear shelf space recommendations to reflect industry trends toward e-readers, e-books, and BYOD (bring your own device);
- Give greater attention to how a children’s area fits into the facility, given children’s unique needs and their impact on the other users;
- Provide an increased assessment of the unmet need for “third places” – café, study areas, lobbies, meeting rooms – including their availability after-hours.
- Update industry trends for technology in libraries, both use by patrons and staff (higher bandwidth, etc.).
We will be presenting the full set of recommendations to the City to encourage that a updated NA be commissioned this year. Our volunteers for this assignment did an amazing job! If you are interested in being added to our volunteer roster, please sign up today!
-Amalia Cunningham, Vice-Chair