Counting less than a branch and more than a book station

Is it time to consider counting outlets other than bookmobiles, branches and stand-alone books by mail? Minnesota public libraries are expanding ways to provide library services beyond the traditional central library or branch. Much as I would be prideful in considering Minnesota to be highly inventive, I'm betting that other libraries have similarly expanded, especially as shrinking budgets and increased demand create the conditions for Necessity to become the mother of Invention.

In one instance, a multi-county Library A has opened up outlets in municipal buildings with regular hours, mid-size collections, computer terminals and highly-trained volunteers who will telephone for assistance if they cannot assist someone. These volunteers are supervised frequently by a paid staff member. The only missing criteria is a salaried staff always on duty.

Multi-county LibraryB eliminated its bookmobile service. However, the former bookmobile stops now have a small library collection within a municipal building. The former bookmobile librarian now drives to these former stops, brings requested books, and is at the library for several hours, before moving on. This innovation meets the outlet criteria of having an organized collection, a paid staff member and regular hours, albeit perhaps two or three hours a week.(I don't know for sure but let's assume for the sake or discussion that the books are in "separate quarters," such as a small supply room.)This innovation qualifies as a branch but it does not offer what we typically think in terms of amenities, programs and services.

Soon, a library will experiment with a self-serve kiosk similar to Redbox video rentals. Swipe your library card and voilá a circulation occurs.

These alternative delivery methods, though they may evolve, are going to be with us for quite a while, if not permanently.

Do we need a fourth service delivery category that is broadly defined to cover these alternative methods?

Bruce Pomerantz-Minnesota

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Susan Mark (Wyo) comment:

Wyoming already collects what we call Other Public Service Outlets. Our definition: "Other public service outlets are locations to which library materials are distributed for lending but at which there is no permanent collection or library staff. Do not report bookmobile stops. Include collections in nursing homes, jails, etc. Enter the total number of other public service outlets in the space provided."Could be valuable info as libraries innovate to try to provide public service both with leaner budgets and changing patron expectations. Could also be a challenge to define and collect consistently, as there seem to be so many different service models along these lines. Perhaps we could look at whether a non-branch outlet has one or more of the 4 criteria for a full branch?

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Grace Kelly (NY)

NY's report asks for "Other Outlets" with a given instruction, "Examples are outlets in senior citizen centers, daycare centers, jails, or other organizations or institutions with designated space and with frequently changed collections of books and other library materials". We had 108 reported "other outlets" in 2008.