Have you read the back of your library card lately? It says, “By signing this card, I agree to:
· Accept the responsibility for all fines incurred
· Pay for damaged or lost materials
· Report promptly loss or theft of the card or change of address
Too many people under appreciate the value of their library card. It can take you further than any credit card and allow you to travel not just around the world, but also into the past or future depending on what you read.
People also take for granted the responsibility of a card. Tax dollars are used to purchase our materials. When a customer damages a book and refuses to pay, it is like destroying your neighbors’ property. Customers ARE responsible for the safe keeping of our materials. When a book is damaged you should be expected to pay to have it replaced.
A previous boss taught me that when renting a car, always take a walk around and look for damage. Many of our customers do the same with our books and that is OK. We appreciate it and mark our records accordingly so that when the book is returned you are not charged for the material.
Please value your library card and the materials you check out.
Friday, November 28, 2008
Horror Films or "Tell Us What You Want"
A customer recently wrote, “Can you please have a better selection of horror movies that are current. I find that when it comes to new horror releases, New City Library just doesn’t keep up.”
I just finished an article, based on informal interviews on 20 things librarians would like customer’s to know. Near the top is that we want to hear what you want from us. We welcome customer suggestions for improving our collection.
In purchasing films on DVD we have limited funds and try to do our best in purchasing all types films our customers want. In deciding to purchase materials we consider how well a film is reviewed by authoritative review sources. We also look at box office sales in deciding if we want to 1 copy or 6 copies. People vote with their money and if a movie is popular at the box office it is going to be popular with our customers.
In regards to horror films in particular the AV Collection Development specifically, states, “Even though a particular title may not have received a very favorable review, it is purchase for our collection because patrons have previously ask for these types of movies, such as in the horror genre.”
So the short answer is thank you for your suggesting and we will be looking a little closer at buying more current horror films. Please continue to let us know what we can do to be the best library possible.
I just finished an article, based on informal interviews on 20 things librarians would like customer’s to know. Near the top is that we want to hear what you want from us. We welcome customer suggestions for improving our collection.
In purchasing films on DVD we have limited funds and try to do our best in purchasing all types films our customers want. In deciding to purchase materials we consider how well a film is reviewed by authoritative review sources. We also look at box office sales in deciding if we want to 1 copy or 6 copies. People vote with their money and if a movie is popular at the box office it is going to be popular with our customers.
In regards to horror films in particular the AV Collection Development specifically, states, “Even though a particular title may not have received a very favorable review, it is purchase for our collection because patrons have previously ask for these types of movies, such as in the horror genre.”
So the short answer is thank you for your suggesting and we will be looking a little closer at buying more current horror films. Please continue to let us know what we can do to be the best library possible.
Friday, October 31, 2008
A Noisy Library is a Happy Library????
Three comment cards were recently recieved on how noisy the library is.
The New city Library is not the library of old dedicated to quiet study and reading. The library is evolving into a lively community destination for reading, films, programs and more. With so much excitement going on it is hard to keep quiet.
With that said, the library does recognize that we have an obligation to provide a time and space for quiet reading. The reference desk, where customers are asking questions and seeking solutions is naturally going to be noisy. The children’s room, the teen area and space directly outside the meeting rooms are places to avoid if you want some peace and quiet. The New City Library also has to contend with noise bouncing up and across the floors and the mezzanine.
In the best of all possible worlds the library should have an enclosed study room with good lighting and a variety of furniture for quiet reflective study. If given the chance such a space would be in the program building specifications of any future Library renovations.
In the mean time please consider the following areas of the library if you want a little quiet. The Mystery Room does not have tables but does have limited seating away from the crowd. The Rockland Room offers a certain degree of privacy, but it is often occupied with researchers working on family histories. A third possibility is the upstairs area outside the Administrative Office. The Group Study Room may have people studying together and talking about a project, but if unoccupied it is open on a first come first served basis as long as a program is not scheduled for the space.
The library needs to become a vibrant part of the community. Having children discovering the treasure of our books and having customers engaged in conversation with staff and collogues is a good indicator of a library is a vibrant part of the community. At the same time the Library recognizes that we need to provide traditional service and space but the days of the Shushing librarian are gone for good.
The New City Library has a new comment card form. Pleae use one to tell us what you think next time you visit the library
The New city Library is not the library of old dedicated to quiet study and reading. The library is evolving into a lively community destination for reading, films, programs and more. With so much excitement going on it is hard to keep quiet.
With that said, the library does recognize that we have an obligation to provide a time and space for quiet reading. The reference desk, where customers are asking questions and seeking solutions is naturally going to be noisy. The children’s room, the teen area and space directly outside the meeting rooms are places to avoid if you want some peace and quiet. The New City Library also has to contend with noise bouncing up and across the floors and the mezzanine.
In the best of all possible worlds the library should have an enclosed study room with good lighting and a variety of furniture for quiet reflective study. If given the chance such a space would be in the program building specifications of any future Library renovations.
In the mean time please consider the following areas of the library if you want a little quiet. The Mystery Room does not have tables but does have limited seating away from the crowd. The Rockland Room offers a certain degree of privacy, but it is often occupied with researchers working on family histories. A third possibility is the upstairs area outside the Administrative Office. The Group Study Room may have people studying together and talking about a project, but if unoccupied it is open on a first come first served basis as long as a program is not scheduled for the space.
The library needs to become a vibrant part of the community. Having children discovering the treasure of our books and having customers engaged in conversation with staff and collogues is a good indicator of a library is a vibrant part of the community. At the same time the Library recognizes that we need to provide traditional service and space but the days of the Shushing librarian are gone for good.
The New City Library has a new comment card form. Pleae use one to tell us what you think next time you visit the library
Monday, October 27, 2008
E-Books for E-Kids
TumbleBookLibrary, e-books for kids is one of the newest services offered through the New City Library. This online collection features animated, talking picture books designed to teach children the joy of reading by taking existing picture books and adding animation, sound, music and narration to produce an electronic book. Families are able to read to their children or children may read independently.
Explore this exciting website as it features multiple selections ranging from books in Spanish and French to a variety of TumbleGames. The service is free; all that is needed is an internet connection. To view, go to the library’s home page, www.newcitylibrary.org. and under Bulletin Board, click on Tumblebook.
This database is one of the many services offered at the New City Library whose ongoing commitment is to offer the best and most current information to the public. For further information about TumbleBook Library, call the Children’s Department at 634-4997, ext 121.
Explore this exciting website as it features multiple selections ranging from books in Spanish and French to a variety of TumbleGames. The service is free; all that is needed is an internet connection. To view, go to the library’s home page, www.newcitylibrary.org. and under Bulletin Board, click on Tumblebook.
This database is one of the many services offered at the New City Library whose ongoing commitment is to offer the best and most current information to the public. For further information about TumbleBook Library, call the Children’s Department at 634-4997, ext 121.
Friday, September 12, 2008
Our Survey -- Blue Ray or not to Blue Ray
PLEASE TAKE OUR SURVEY!
The New City Library Audio Visual Department has designed a survey to help evaluate what customers expect and in the words of Ed Koch, "How we do'in?"
The survey is no longer available, but please post a comment.
Part of the survey asks about Blue-Ray disc and our customer's possible intention to purchase this new technology. Should we be purchasing films in this new format. Check back here for the results of our survey.
The New City Library Audio Visual Department has designed a survey to help evaluate what customers expect and in the words of Ed Koch, "How we do'in?"
The survey is no longer available, but please post a comment.
Part of the survey asks about Blue-Ray disc and our customer's possible intention to purchase this new technology. Should we be purchasing films in this new format. Check back here for the results of our survey.
Customer Suggestion
A customer suggested:
Many of the library DVDs are scratched and freeze during use. Of the last 5 discs I borrowed, I was able to view only 1 to completion. When I return a damaged DVD, I report the problem. Clearly many customers return them without comment, and the damaged disc is returned to circulation without repair.
I have 2 suggestions:
1) When a CD or DVD is checked out, an easily removable label (eg, Post-It) is placed on the front of the case, saying
Please Check One
__ DVD/CD played well
__ DVD/CD needs repair
That would be effective for patrons who use the drop box as well as those who come into the library
2) Ask Technical Services to inspect/clean/repair any disc that has been borrowed a predetermined number of times.
Library Response.
In many ways VHS tapes were better than DVDs for their indestructibility although the quality does not compare. There is little more frustrating that investing an hour in watching a movie and then have it freeze. There are a few things our customers can do to avoid this situation.
Library property is your property as a taxpayer. Treat the disk as your own and don’t let the kids play Frisbee with them.
Using plain water (no cleaners or Windex please) clean the disk before you put it in the player. Dry and gently rub out any stains with a lint free cloth that can be found in most retail electronic stores.
Tell us when you return an item that it has a problem. We will not accuse you of wrong doing unless the dog ate it. We have equipment that can clean and resurface the disk, but we can’t fix it if we don’t know about it.
As for the future, library staff will begin asking customers if the video was working well when they are returned. We are also looking into equipment that will inspect and report on DVD and CD damage and playability.
Please enjoy our great collection of Films, music and games.
Many of the library DVDs are scratched and freeze during use. Of the last 5 discs I borrowed, I was able to view only 1 to completion. When I return a damaged DVD, I report the problem. Clearly many customers return them without comment, and the damaged disc is returned to circulation without repair.
I have 2 suggestions:
1) When a CD or DVD is checked out, an easily removable label (eg, Post-It) is placed on the front of the case, saying
Please Check One
__ DVD/CD played well
__ DVD/CD needs repair
That would be effective for patrons who use the drop box as well as those who come into the library
2) Ask Technical Services to inspect/clean/repair any disc that has been borrowed a predetermined number of times.
Library Response.
In many ways VHS tapes were better than DVDs for their indestructibility although the quality does not compare. There is little more frustrating that investing an hour in watching a movie and then have it freeze. There are a few things our customers can do to avoid this situation.
Library property is your property as a taxpayer. Treat the disk as your own and don’t let the kids play Frisbee with them.
Using plain water (no cleaners or Windex please) clean the disk before you put it in the player. Dry and gently rub out any stains with a lint free cloth that can be found in most retail electronic stores.
Tell us when you return an item that it has a problem. We will not accuse you of wrong doing unless the dog ate it. We have equipment that can clean and resurface the disk, but we can’t fix it if we don’t know about it.
As for the future, library staff will begin asking customers if the video was working well when they are returned. We are also looking into equipment that will inspect and report on DVD and CD damage and playability.
Please enjoy our great collection of Films, music and games.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Interesting Question
A CUSTOMER WRITES:
Please, the practice of stamping book on the sale cart – DISCARD – is self defeating – loses value all around. Could you explain the reason for this?
Thank you.
OUR RESPONSE:
Library materials withdrawn from the collection and withdrawn from the catalog is an important part of collection management in making space for new materials. Librarians refer to it as “weeding”. Just as you weed your garden we weed the collection of items out-of-date or unpopular.
If the library does not prominently mark them as DISCARD they tend to keep coming back to us. This can result in all sorts of confusion. It is also for the customer’s protection in knowing that it is not an overdue book or one that may have been an unauthorized loan (stolen).
Please, the practice of stamping book on the sale cart – DISCARD – is self defeating – loses value all around. Could you explain the reason for this?
Thank you.
OUR RESPONSE:
Library materials withdrawn from the collection and withdrawn from the catalog is an important part of collection management in making space for new materials. Librarians refer to it as “weeding”. Just as you weed your garden we weed the collection of items out-of-date or unpopular.
If the library does not prominently mark them as DISCARD they tend to keep coming back to us. This can result in all sorts of confusion. It is also for the customer’s protection in knowing that it is not an overdue book or one that may have been an unauthorized loan (stolen).
Customer Feedback
It is nice to hear good things about our staff. A customer recently wrote:
"Keep up the good work. I received exmplary service on the phone by Angela...exceeding friendly customer service."
"Keep up the good work. I received exmplary service on the phone by Angela...exceeding friendly customer service."
Customer Concerns
New City Library wants to provide the best possible customer service while protecting the assets of the library. Registration proceedures need to be in place and adhered to ensure library notices will be received and materials will be returned. Below is a recent correspondence with a customer. In this example we also called the customer directly to assist.
CUSTOMER WRITES:
I have been a resident of Congers for over a year. This evening I attempted to register for a library card. I read the flyer regarding the registration and brought in forms of identification. However, despite bringing the appropriate forms (driver's license, photo work id, and utility bill).
I was denied receiving a card. I felt that her actions were discriminatory because I gave acceptable ID and she wouldn't accept it.
How do children apply for library cards? They do not have cars registered in their names nor have pay stubs. I pay library taxes each year and I believe because of this I am entitled to a library card. Please let me know what I can do to obtain one.
OUR RESPONSE:
I am truly sorry for the inconvenience you experience at the circulation desk when applying for a membership card at New City Library. Our goal is to register all eligible residents.
We issue a card upon presentation of 2 proofs of an eligible address and a current and identifiable picture ID. As I understand it you met the photo requirement but only one form had your name and address. A second form with your name and street address was not provided.
Minor children may use a parent's ID as long as the child is with the parent at the time of registration. The parent’s signature is required on the registration form.
CUSTOMER WRITES:
I have been a resident of Congers for over a year. This evening I attempted to register for a library card. I read the flyer regarding the registration and brought in forms of identification. However, despite bringing the appropriate forms (driver's license, photo work id, and utility bill).
I was denied receiving a card. I felt that her actions were discriminatory because I gave acceptable ID and she wouldn't accept it.
How do children apply for library cards? They do not have cars registered in their names nor have pay stubs. I pay library taxes each year and I believe because of this I am entitled to a library card. Please let me know what I can do to obtain one.
OUR RESPONSE:
I am truly sorry for the inconvenience you experience at the circulation desk when applying for a membership card at New City Library. Our goal is to register all eligible residents.
We issue a card upon presentation of 2 proofs of an eligible address and a current and identifiable picture ID. As I understand it you met the photo requirement but only one form had your name and address. A second form with your name and street address was not provided.
Minor children may use a parent's ID as long as the child is with the parent at the time of registration. The parent’s signature is required on the registration form.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
CHUCK MCMORRAN BECOMES NEW CITY LIBRARY DIRECTOR
NEW CITY, NY, August 14, 2008. Charles (Chuck) McMorran has become director of the New City Library, announced Robert Martin, president of the library’s board of trustees. McMorran was the unanimous first choice of the search committee, which was comprised of members of the board and library staff. The board of trustees unanimously ratified the search committee’s recommendation. The previous director retired in February.
McMorran has had a long and prestigious career in library service, said Mr. Martin. He comes to New City from the Jacksonville, Florida Public Library System, where he supervised the building of six new branch libraries and the remodeling of twelve existing branches, played a key role in the initial selection of materials for the collections at the new branches and instituted important technological innovations. Before he was recruited to Jacksonville, McMorran spent 12 years with the Queens Borough Public Library System, one of the largest and most progressive library organizations in the country. He moved from managing automated systems to directing technical services to directing the Queens Borough Central Library. Earlier positions were in West Virginia and Illinois.
McMorran said that he is “…proud of enabling the Jacksonville library to be recognized as a technology leader in the state, and especially proud of introducing work-flow changes that brought materials into the hands of customers in record time.” He looks forward to working with the New City Library staff, board and community starting on August 18.
McMorran has had a long and prestigious career in library service, said Mr. Martin. He comes to New City from the Jacksonville, Florida Public Library System, where he supervised the building of six new branch libraries and the remodeling of twelve existing branches, played a key role in the initial selection of materials for the collections at the new branches and instituted important technological innovations. Before he was recruited to Jacksonville, McMorran spent 12 years with the Queens Borough Public Library System, one of the largest and most progressive library organizations in the country. He moved from managing automated systems to directing technical services to directing the Queens Borough Central Library. Earlier positions were in West Virginia and Illinois.
McMorran said that he is “…proud of enabling the Jacksonville library to be recognized as a technology leader in the state, and especially proud of introducing work-flow changes that brought materials into the hands of customers in record time.” He looks forward to working with the New City Library staff, board and community starting on August 18.
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