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| Urbana Free Library |
2009 no. 9
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| Library Profile |
| Library Name: Urbana Free Library Location: 210 W. Green St, Urbana, IL 61801 Type: Public Mission: The Urbana Free Library’s mission is to meet the public’s informational, educational, and recreation needs. Website: http://urbanafreelibrary.org/ LTLS Directory Page:http://www.lincolntrail.info/urn.html LTLS Member Since: 1966 |
An interview with Director, Deb Lissak.
| What is unique about your library?
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| Many libraries have archives, but the archives of Urbana Free Library are very extensive and an important resource for local and genealogical history research. The archives have an online presence that helps patrons access the materials. The library also places priority on keeping its strong international DVD collection current. The library’s collection reflects sensitivity to all kinds of materials. By combining older materials with newer popular materials the library provides patrons with great depth in its collection. There is also a large amount of art in the library. There are rotating galleries, some have been donated and some have been purchased by the library’s foundation. These art pieces give the library a cultural richness. |
| What are the primary goals and objectives of your library? |
| The main goal is always to serve the public and make sure their needs are met. In a recent survey patrons expressed several requests. At the top of this list were, more parking, longer loan periods, more AV, multiple copies of popular materials, and longer hours. The library has already started working on meeting those needs by adding 16 parking spaces and lengthening loan periods. Making our library better for our patrons is our primary goal. |
| What cooperative efforts are you currently doing? |
| The library is always willing to cooperate with other organizations. It’s a great way to get out in the community and stretch dollars. The work with the school district includes, book returns at the middle and high schools and an online resource called tutor.com for students. The library frequently works with the Urbana Business Association and you can often see representatives from the library at downtown events. United Way and the library are partners in providing literacy and preschool programs to the community. The library also has ties with the UIUC library school. |
| Tell us a story about your library. |
| Several patrons, who moved away from the community, still call the reference desk to get their questions answered. One patron who moved to Pennsylvania has called several times because, as she says, “the Urbana Free Library answers my questions faster.” Another patron called the library once a week to get her questions answered while she was on sabbatical with her husband. When far away patrons like these think of the Urbana Free Library as the first and best place to get answers it means the library must be doing something right. |
| If money were no object, what services would you add? |
We could really use more staff to help with technical assistance in the computer lab. Many people come to use the computers but some aren’t computer savvy. It would be great to have dedicated tech staff to help out. With more money, we could also add more programming. We do as much as we can now, but it would always be nice to add more, especially for adults. If money were no object, we would definitely purchase more copies of popular materials in both book and AV formats. We would also be able to extend library hours. |
| What is popular in your library? |
| DVDs, new book and computers, these are the things that most people come in to use or check out. However, the meeting rooms are very popular. The time of day dictates who you’ll see using the rooms, but the community uses our public spaces. It’s nice to know that the patrons view the library as a community space. |
| How does your library use online tools to connect to your users? |
| The library has a website that is continually evolving and improving. For example a slide show of important news and changes at the library was recently added to the site. There is also an event calendar for our programming. The calendar has an interactive feature that can be set up to send out notifications about programs to individuals who are interested. Adult Services and Teen Services both have blogs that are constantly being updated. The library also has a profile on both Facebook and Twitter. |
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Request a visit to your library If you would like to set up a special date for us to visit your library contact LTLS Consultant Michelle Ralston Library of the Week is published by Lincoln Trail Libraries System, 1704 W. Interstate Dr., Champaign, IL 61822 217-352-0047 - ltls@lincolntrail.info Executive Director: Jan Ison, Editorial and Design Team: Michelle Ralston and David Lottes |
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