Posts tagged illinois

These are pro-library, library news, and library advocacy links for April 2nd from 01:13 to 01:41:

• Public Libraries: An Indispensable ‘Nonessential’ | TheLedger.com – The Legislature is desperate to find places to cut, and it is looking at so-called nonessential services. But for many library users, the library is essential, it is the only place many can access computers and the Internet, necessary to seeking a job in today's marketplace. Moreover, it is a positive public service that is seeing steadily increasing use, even as budgets keep shrinking.

  These are desperate times, and some cuts to the State Aid to Libraries program might be unavoidable. But it is evident that taxpayers are getting more bang for their buck than ever with libraries – use is way up even as budgets are way down – and that should resonate with our lawmakers in Tallahassee.

• Melanie Hollis: Public libraries a great resource for children || OnlineAthens.com – As parents, we want our children to be successful in life, and few things will lead to that success better than reading. For us, the most amazing resource at our community library, other than the books and information contained within, is our beloved librarian.

  The librarian is one of the greatest sources of inspiration and motivation to schoolchildren, going to schools and reading books specific to the age group and event. He or she has the amazing gift to make the stories she reads come alive. The students become engaged and transformed.

• One-Third of U.S. Population Uses Public Library Internet; Social Networking, Education Most Popular » Spotlight – “There is no ambiguity in these numbers,” said Marsha Semmel, acting director of the Institute of Museum and Library Services. “Millions of people see libraries as an essential tool to connect them to information, knowledge, and opportunities. Policy makers must fully recognize and support the role libraries are playing in workforce development, education, health and wellness, and the delivery of government services.”

  From the executive summary (PDF):

  Librarians enhance the computing and Internet experience. The availability of the Internet at the library coupled with the vast number of online transactions has expanded the librarian’s job and mission, creating a new set of opportunities and service challenges. Librarians have begun serving as informal job coaches, college counselors, test monitors, and technology trainers for the growing number of patrons navigating government aid, the job market, and all levels of education on library computers.

• How the library is helping people find work | FOX 21 Online – DULUTH – For those on the unemployment line, libraries are becoming an increasingly important resource.  For many, it's their only access to the internet where so many tools to re–employment are available.
  Tyrone Borno is out of work.  Many in his situation would just hop on the home computer to see who's hiring.
   "No, I can't.  I have to utilize the library," he says.
• Imaginary People: Chicago Public Library Powers Business – Working with limited finances, the Chicago Public Library was invaluable to us in figuring out what type of business we should register as and how to go about doing so. We were also able to research the way we should be handling our taxes. At one point we ran into some trademark and copyrighting issues and the resources at the Library came in very handy. When you don’t have the funds to have a lawyer at your disposal the Library becomes your other business partner.