King County Library System (KCLS) Joyce Bi

The King County Library System (KCLS) operates the public libraries in King County Is the cultural center of the community Developed a close relationship with the local citizens Supports a variety of activities KCLS is a bridge between people and knowledge I like the feeling of gathering information by taking a trip to the book shelves.

History Burien Library - Opening CeremoniesBurien Library - Opening Ceremonies. KCLS Started in 1942 To deliver library services to people in rural areas It started with a few small community libraries run by volunteers And is now, one of the busiest libraries in the US More than twenty million items in circulation every year Burien Library Just renewed its building Is the 25 th library of KCLS

Physical aspects Using the space Events Research & homework Books & reading Programs & classes Music Movie Magazines Downloads

The mission of KCLS Serve as a pilot for every citizen who is padding out in the sea of information Principles of Service Provide collections and services regardless of people Protect library materials from censorship. Encourages users to encounter the diversity of concepts Goals Meet community needs and interests Promote the awareness and use of library Attract and develop a high-quality staff

My service commitment Help with the day-to-day operation of the library Coordinator matches their skills to tasks that need to be done Working with patrons, from children to seniors, at special events Helping computer users at the library Working with library staff behind the scenes Helping keep our materials and our buildings in good shape Working with books, DVDs, and other library materials

What I did Support convenience Look for collections following search lists Eliminate defective collections Guide visitors to the proper location of collections Restore collections Keep clean workplace for staff Patrol the facility Help update websites

Help its programs Clean up after meetings Make posters to promote activities Make invitation cards to spread the words of KCLS Make supplies for games Prepare test materials for elementary schools Read for children Listen to kids reading Tutor elementary school students

My rights and responsibilities Be respectful Provide a welcoming environment Provide resources and tools for the projects you are working on Provide a support network for you in your activities Help people understand the amount and types of work required for a given volunteer opportunity Be accommodating and understanding Accept and respect users

What did I benefit Working in a friendly environment Meeting new and interesting people Gaining a feeling of accomplishment Learning about the library and all its resources Providing valuable assistance Gain meaningful experience Making a difference in community

Strengths of KCLS Make it Easy Seeks convenience for patrons. Libraries are strategically located. An Intellectual Adventure for Everyone Builds valued that can grow in knowledge and wisdom. Helps to spark curiosity and growth.

The Heart of the Community The buildings themselves reflect the community. The staff’s passion to have libraries change lives. One System Operates as one where unity provides value.

Role of Government Government does not play a huge role; Funded by property taxes Has its own budget If the county is doing cut backs, KCLS is not impacted Government cares; Internet filtering Follow the Children’s Internet Protection Act in order to get some money I think the government plays fairly well in this part.

What to improve ! Block nonacademic websites Develop partnership with other organization Introduce career chance Provide more web books Target to people who has difficulties to receive service directly

The Dignity of Work and the Rights of Workers Even though many think that working at the library is easy, many staff are licensed and well trained. The center of a library is the users but librarians are in charge of providing convenience to people. A library is like a refrigerator. There are some fresh and also some long-term storage. It is the librarians’ job to have the maximum assistance for whoever opened the fridge door to choose the one they want to eat, to be able to easily take it out, and put it in their mouth with confidence.

The option for the Poor and Vulnerable Have chance to learn Be a part of the community Join its activities Receive free service “Provide open, non-judgmental access to collections and services without regard to race, citizenship, age, educational level, economic status, religion, or any other qualification or condition.” (KCLS mission statement) Anyone can,,,

Conclusion What actually makes a library warm The knowledge and experience we learn from books The heartfelt and strong connection People can satisfy their need for information and entertainment I was able to See the smiles and happiness Be proud of being a part of the bridge between people and knowledge Passionate love for books Working for months See something way beyond that.

Work cited King County Library System