The Three M’s of Library Fluidity: Mobile Malleable Made For You By: Crystal A. Harris, John Newcomer & Jessiree Jenkins

The Three M’s of Library Fluidity Learning Outcomes Successfully utilize and maintain mobile services to patrons both near and far. Change patron perceptions of what the library offers through hands on social opportunities. Make the patron feel a sense of ownership by providing unique patron focused, patron controlled programming.

Mobile Services Successful ways to reach out to patrons using mobile services Crystal Harris, Manager Bookmobiles and Mobile Services St. Louis County Library

Immobile Patrons Patrons are unable to make it to St. Louis County Library locations for a variety of reasons. Seniors living in retirement communities, assisted and skilled living facilities, memory care homes and apartment complexes Elementary age children Preschool age children Seniors who are homebound due to an illness or malady New parents People with intellectual developmental disorders Teens in detention centers Daycares Teens (transient, gifted or otherwise) Residents of library desserts

Mobile Service Vehicles Have been the most beneficial way to reach these people. St. Louis County Library invested in 5 bookmobiles, 2 Senior Vans and a host of Trucks and Vans as a part of the Library’s Fleet. These vehicles are used to serve patrons all over the county.

Senior Living “Every day in the United States, 10,000 people are turning 65. That will continue happening for the next 15 years—producing a major demographic shift and a corresponding explosion in the need for library services to older adults.” * Senior Vans Service Model: Residents can receive library materials during regularly scheduled visits via library vans. Homebound Service Model: SLCL provides free library service by mail to people who are confined to home due to illness, disability or advanced age. Quick Stats: Senior Van Service 2016 Served 110 facilities Reached 23,000 people Circulate 100,000 items Quick Stats: Homebound Mailing Service Mail 1200 bags Serve 113 Homebound patrons *Landgraf, Greg. "An Aging Population Reshapes Library Services." American Libraries Magazine. N.p., 27 May 2016. Web. 12 May 2017.

Sweet Reads History Collection Locations Awards Stats The Sweet Reads bookmobile brings books and other library materials directly to a variety of neighborhoods. A library card is not required to use the Sweet Reads bookmobile. The program works on the honor system and uses mostly donated or discarded library books. History Collection Locations Awards Stats

School Bookmobiles St. Louis County Library’s bookmobile fleet serves 40 public elementary schools and 15 private schools throughout St. Louis County. Students can check out children's material in a variety of subjects and genres

For preschool age children, Early Childhood Education Initative Preschool Outreach For preschool age children, Early Childhood Education Initative

Vehicle… Maintenance… But I’m a Librarian!! Checklist Car/Vans Willingness to evolve Drivers Contracts Gas Mobile Internet Gumption!

Other Outreach Initiatives Senior Reminiscing Preschool Outreach Story time Born to Read Programs Community Events and Parades Jail Books Nurse Family Partnership In-Home Daycare Service

Malleable: Library as a Career Change patron perceptions of what the library offers through hands on social opportunities John Newcomer, Regional Branch Manager , Julia Davis Branch, St. Louis Public Library

Volunteer Programs

Benefits of a Volunteer Program Engage broader group of community partners “Hire” people otherwise could not Create teen role models Create a minor league from which to hire staff Form community partnerships with paid volunteers Construct job training curriculum to help community members get a job Benefits of a Volunteer Program

Benefits of Volunteers Relieve staff of repetitive tasks or extra tasks that we can’t dedicate staff to Form a bridge between library and community Volunteers often rooted in community They help facilitate information between staff and patrons. Serve as a personal network to promote programs and services. Benefits of Volunteers

What has worked well Clear orientation for new volunteers Daily structure and supervision Outline with goals for the volunteer program Accountability in the form of a performance appraisal. Measureable benefit in the form of a job recommendation or direct placement with the library What has worked well

If the volunteers don’t have enough structure If the volunteers don’t have enough structure. They wander and drift and become a burden to staff. Different programs try to place as many as possible and do not always follow their own agency guidelines Short Term volunteer placements do not work well such as court order. Not enough time for training and can seem to lack motivation Lessons Learned

Technical nature of libraries require a lot of training. Too many volunteers work at the same time, younger volunteers = drama Lessons Learned pt 2

AARP American Association of Retired Persons

Ranken Technical College

STL Youth Jobs

Summary of Benefits Local to Julia Davis

Made for YOU Creating for the Community You Serve Jessiree Jenkins, Adult Services Provider, Julia Davis Branch, St. Louis Public Library

Public Interaction Be Prepared Smile Be Honest

Community Outreach Know Your Audience Be Flexible Build relationships

Programs Practical Innovation Poll the Patrons Murphy’s Law

Today’s Library Civic Engagement Community Planning/Hub Dismantling traditions

Things to Remember Be respectful Be (somewhat) organized Be determined Breathe

What to Expect Unsolicited advice Resistance Fulfillment

Examples Black History Documentary Outreach programs -Alzheimer’s -Developmentally challenged

Questions, comments, contacts? Crystal Harris charris@slcl.rg 314-994-3300 ext. 2330 www.slcl.org John Newcomer jnewcomer@slpl.org 314-383-3021 www.slpl.org Jessiree Jenkins jjenkins@slpl.org 314-383-3021 www.slpl.org