SPECIFIC FACET FIRST : SEARCH COMPETENCY

Database: LibLit

I was looking specifically for library programs for the homeless
"library programs" yielded 7892 hits therefore I used the facet "homeless" = 162 hits

First Hit:

Title:Chip Ward: Teller of Uncomfortable Truths
Personal Author:Soneda, Brian
Journal Name:Alki
Source:Alki v. 23 no. 3 (December 2007) p. 13-14, 27
Publication Year:2007
Subject(s):Public libraries/Services to the homeless; Ward, Chip/Interviews

Abstract: Chip Ward is a Colorado writer and activist. Until earlier this year he was assistant directo at the Salt Lake City Public Library. When I agreed to do an article for Alki focusing on how libraries serve the chronically homeless, who often suffer from mental health issues, too, I was already thinking about Ward and his essay based on his experiences in Salt Lake City. You have probably read or at least heard about the essay tided, "What they didn't teach us in library school," which was first posted on the social activism Web site TomDispatch.com earlier this year. It spread across the library world like wildfire through sites like Truthout.org The broader public listened to Ward's National Public Radio interview; and the Los Angeles Times printed an abridged version of the essay.

Reflection: This article broaches a subject that few people like to deal with but something libraries perhaps particularly in urban regions face far too often: provision of service to those who are homeless, to those we cannot ascribe a set address. How do we make sure people in this dire situation are treated fairly and allowed full access to all we offer now that many of our services require a library card to participate? Libraries fear that their materials won't be returned, while others who use the facility just don't want to be around certain kinds of people. How do we set aside prejudice and judgments that are bound to be apparent on the part of librarians and other patrons?

CITATION PEARL: SEARCH COMPETENCY

Database: WorldCat Pearl Citation Searching

I began with a source I already knew:
Programming for adults :a guide for small- and medium-sized libraries by Raymond Ranier

Descriptors:Adult services in public libraries -- United States. Libraries and adult education -- United States. Public libraries -- Cultural programs -- United States.

Then I used the Adult services in public libraries -- United States link which led me to 25 very pertinent hits.

First hit = Adult programs in the library / Author: Lear, Brett W.The other hits were very relevant.

Review: A very readable text on how to produce successful programs. Lear has the ability to describe in explicit terms the procedures that should be used to develop policies that relate to the library mission, proceed with specifics needed to target intended audiences, locate performers or speakers, raise funds, publicize events, and produce an outstanding program followed by an evaluation.”—American Reference Books Annual

Reflection: There were 25 hits; all but 4 were pertaining strictly to adult programming in the public library setting. The topics covered included several books on creating and running adult book clubs, senior citizen outreach, and a manual about adult programming; all in all this method of searching in this database proved to be quite fruitful.

This search method has opened up a whole new world of search terms and synonyms for my blogging purposes, at least in this database. I learned that activities instead of programming or programs yields more hits. I learned that the term adult services or youth service begets more hits than just the word adult or youth far more relevant hits. This has been a very fruitful lesson.


Public libraries have always geared the bulk of their programming to Youth Services...with crafts, summer reading and storytelling. In the meantime, we have offered the traditional book clubs with other occasional programming to the 18 and over crowd.Our library has increased our Adult Programming budget by fifty percent for 2008 in an attempt to provide more diverse and creative programming for our "grown" folks. In the last year we have offered jewelry making, party planning, landscaping, computer instruction, car maintenance and songwriting workshops along with the adult summer reading club. In addition we offer bookmobile services to our community's nursing homes. We are trying our best to enlighten entertain and serve the entire adult community.

BUILDING BLOCK :SEARCH COMPETENCY

DATABASE: ERIC/INTERNET

Building block search
S1 (“public libraries” or "public library” or librarians)
S2 (programs or programming)
S3 ( disabled or “physically challenged”)
Results= 275

First hit: AccessAbility @ Cleveland Public Library. (EJ666565)
Author(s):Mates, Barbara T.
Source:Public Libraries, v42 n1 p28-31 Jan-Feb 2003
Pub Date:2003-00-00 Pub Type(s):Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Peer-Reviewed:N/A

Descriptors:Accessibility (for Disabled); Bookmobiles; Braille; Disabilities; Gardens; Library Services; Museums; Poetry; Public Libraries; Reading Programs; Talking Books

Abstract:Describes several programs that were developed by staff at the Cleveland (Ohio) Public Library to be accessible to users with disabilities. Highlights include a Braille reading program; sensory garden; poetry club; book club based on talking books; wheelchair athletics; touching museum artifacts; and a mobile library for users who could not visit the library. (LRW)

Refelction:The first hit was very precise providing an article that named several programs created by a major public library system, dealing with a variety of different disabilities. Out of the top ten hits there were only two that dealt specifically with information on actual programming. Other articles included annual state statistics for disabled outreach programming which may also be useful for those seeking statistical data.

It cannot be stressed enough: Public Libraries are for everyone! It is imperative that we remember that there are patrons with "special needs" who deserve to be enlightened, entertained and serviced like any other patrons. So often these patrons are forgotten perhaps because librarians and libraries are not equipped to handle the various needs of this particular group of citizens. There is no better illustration of the need for collaboration with community social services, through such a partnership we would have an opportunity to learn and become more aware of everyone that we are pledged to serve.