The Future of Rhode Island Libraries

Town Meeting: Next Step

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Over 100 librarians and library advocates participated in a town meeting
held at Bryant University on December 6, 2004 on the future of Rhode Island libraries.
(A list of participants is attached.)

Maureen Sullivan facilitated discussions of:

1. Common themes for library development in the state.
2. Key service goals.
3. Potential gains resulting from service goal implementation.
4. Barriers to implementation and “gorilla” issues needing resolution.
5. Success factors resulting from the service goals.
6. Existing supports that will enhance service goal implementation.
7. Next steps to take.
8. Other interests and concerns.

( A transcript of participant comments is attached.)

A common theme, which quickly emerged from the first round of discussions, was a shared vision for greater connectivity between all types of libraries and library organizations, and between library users and their access to resources.

Key service goals need to be one catalog for all, statewide databases, and support of lifelong learning. Preservation of research collections, virtual reference, and service to at-risk children and new emigrant populations also deserve attention.

Key service goal implementation would result in expanded information access, borderless service for users, and improved cost effectiveness of library operations. Barriers include
lack of role definition for OLIS, State Library Board, and Providence Public, funding competition, lack of voice for school libraries, and resistance to collaborative thinking.
However some strong supports are already in place and these include the compact size of the state, foundation funding, strong public support, talented and experienced staff, existing networks, examples of cooperation, advanced technology, and statewide delivery.

Many of the town meeting participants felt that the ideas being discussed closely mirrored the recommendations of the 1999 NEW POSSIBILITIES report and the resulting RILA BLUE RIBBON COMMITTTEE report. There was general agreement that we as a library community need to move forward with planning for the key service goals and not delay until the library study commission is operational.

As we move forward we will need to identify shared interests and constraints, evaluate models from other states, determine effective ways to resolve barrier /gorilla issues, examine organizational structures, be willing to challenge assumptions and the status quo, and ensure broad involvement.

Next Steps

The LibFutures Steering Committee has established 3 work groups for key service goals:

One Catalog, Kathleen Boyd, Chair
Salve Regina University
HELIN, President

Statewide Databases, Ronald Fark, Chair
Brown University

Lifelong Learning, Eileen Socha, Chair
East Providence Public Library

The charge to each group is to develop an action plan for implementation with consideration of appropriate legislative recommendations to the library study commission.

The work groups will be recruiting members and determining meeting protocols
early in 2005.

David Macksam
Chair
LibFutures Steering Committee

updated: 4/26/06
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