Serving More with Less A look at the effect of the economic recession on libraries, librarians, and library users. Jez Layman

The Recession & The Library O Top threat to libraries: 74% say budget constraints; 69% say perception that libraries are unnecessary O The Recession began in December 2007, but was not officially declared until December O Property taxes low due to foreclosures and adjusted property values O Decrease in sales tax revenue due to less spending in the community

Change in Library Users Who uses the library, what do they use it for, and what do they expect from it?

Library Use O In 2008, approximately 68% of US residents owned a library card, a 6% increase O Library website visits were up 17%, and in- person visits were up 10% O Circulation increased by about 6%

Library Use O Best services in the Recession are extensions of services started in the Great Depression O Application to social services O Job Search assistance O Increased need for technology and life skills classes to help patrons become more valuable in the job market

Library Perception by Users O A refuge from the effects of the recession. They use it to borrow “free” books, access entertainment and education, and use free Internet access. O Perceptions are changing from that of an information source to an entertainment source O Possible threat – libraries seen as expendable

The Recession & the User O Can be more appreciative of the library O Can be more irritable – users are already stressed to their limit. Little disappointments in the library can trigger major tempers O Can be more demanding – users are unable to provide service for themselves, so they demand more from their libraries

Changes in Libraries Budget cuts, service demands, and fundraising

Library’s Perception of the Recession O 55% - we’ll get through this; it’s an opportunity to reexamine our core O 38% - we’re on a rocky road and the library will emerge fundamentally changed O 7% - this is cyclical, we’ll be fine O 1% - it’s all over!

Budget Cuts O Rural libraries in worst condition, urban libraries not much better O Service Hour Cuts O Average work week in 2007 was 59.7 hours O Phoenix Public Library – formerly the most accessible library, cut service to 48 hours/week from 72 hours/week O Many libraries cut service on Sundays O Average work week in 2013 was 50.4 hours

Increased Demand O Increase in use, means increase in replacement and mending costs O Higher demand for materials & services O Increased need for security – crime goes up during a recession

Response to Change O 17% advocacy efforts, 11% marketing, 8% addition of services, 34% “not much/not enough” O Creative fundraising: Libraries reach out to new community partners, Adopt a Library programs, charity events (5K runs, charity balls) O Public Library of Enid and Garfield County (OK) – eliminated fines. 3/100ths of 1 percent of the budget wasn’t worth keeping families away. Fines no longer a barrier to service.

Changes for Librarians New job responsibilities, new professional expectations, and new stress levels

Librarian Responsibilities O “We have become part job counselors, part life coaches, and part life savers.” O Expectation to do more with less O Changes in information delivery methods – focus on electronic, rather than traditional reference materials O Expected to provide more information on technology & job searches, less reference

Librarian Satisfaction O 30% of library workers in 2008 reported they were unsatisfied with their job O 47% reported they felt they had a poor chance at career advancement & planned to leave libraries before retirement O 23% said biggest issue is low pay, 16% said poor management/administration, 16% said budget restraints & having to fight for everything

Decreased Need for Librarians? O With the changing job description and budget issues, there may be a threat of deprofessionalizing librarianship. O 29% of library workers responded that an MLS/MLIS was only “somewhat essential” O 11% responded that it was not essential at all.

Changes in Librarianship New graduates, a new job market, and careful librarians.

New Job Market O Graduation rates in LIS programs decreased 8.4% in 2011 from 2009 O New graduation unemployment rate in 2011 was 6.7% O Average job search is over 5 months long for a professional librarian position O Biggest issue: too many applicants & competition from experienced librarians

Librarianship & Caution O New philosophy: Anything with a cost is risky. O No more ambition regarding programming or change O Problems & questions of library field are put on the back burner – could be stunting the growth of the profession O Librarians are less likely to volunteer for committees because they fear they will be unable to obtain funding for conferences

Librarians in the Digital Age O Challenge to stay up-to-date with technology O Push for online education courses (to avoid travel costs)

Recession Recovery Where are we now and where are we going?

Positive Outlook O The economy is improving! 2014 marks the 2 nd consecutive year of budget increases (but we’re still not fully recovered) O Houses are being sold, and property taxes will improve over the coming years

Focus on Librarians & Staff O Most important place for spending: staff! O Focus on pay increases, not staff size increases. Most staff have been dealing with hiring freezes, stagnant wages, and additional responsibilities. O Better salaries promote better recruitment & retention! O A happy staff means a happy library.

Libraries & the Future O Most important factor in assuring future development and public acceptance is the library’s willingness to invest time, talent, and money to keep up with technology and trends. O Remember: funding a library is a long-term concern. If you’re not thinking long term, you won’t be successful.