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Vol. 22, No. 4/Summer 2000

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Small LibrariesMarcia MacVane
By Marcia MacVane

Although attendance was small at the Small Libraries meeting held at SLA, I had received comments and questions via email from people who could not attend. Many of their thoughts and questions paralleled those mentioned at the conference.

The comments in June centered on the difficulties of "getting things done" with such small staffs. Although everyone is interested in contributing in a more direct way to the newsroom effort, many felt that their efforts were being tied up in more clerical tasks such as archiving. They wondered where they could find the time to be involved in computer-assisted reporting, for instance, if their days are taken up with enhancing/archiving and simpler research requests. This problem seemed to be universal, even with those libraries with three to four full-time employees. The trend seems to be that the larger the newspaper, the more employees - but there is also a greater demand for archiving because the newspaper is larger and has more stories in it. There seems to be this evil cycle from which smaller libraries can never break out.

Then there is always the question of being able to attend the conference. Peter Basofin from the Sacramento Bee said, "I think the biggest problem for most of us is the inability to go to the annual SLA conference. Lack of funding and backup staff is a real problem for smaller operations. That said, I believe the Division should provide more opportunities for people to "meet" virtually over the Internet. The technology is certainly there to set up audio conferences for groups under 100 people. … Almost by definition, solo librarians are an isolated lot. The Division should be using the evolving technology to bring people together, not just once a year, but whenever there is a need to address an issue. … I think we have to recognize that travel is becoming increasingly difficult for people."

Pete certainly makes some good points. Smaller libraries come from smaller newspapers with smaller budgets. Long-distance travel and the related expenses greatly impact these small budgets. We had a New England Special Libraries' meeting last May and I offered to share room expenses with another newspaper librarian who had not yet been able to attend. Although it didn't work out for this year, it very well might another. One can certainly cut down on the room expenses by staying at less expensive hotels, but for new attendees or for people uncertain about maneuvering about in strange cities, it is not a pleasant choice. Perhaps we should create some kind of "room-share" list in January or February so people can hook up before registering for the conference. Let me know if you would like me to set this up. At least it would cut down on some expenses!

Another idea mentioned both in email as well as at the meeting was stress - how to handle it, how to avoid it. Several people suggested that as a possible topic for future conferences, and that surely is not limited to small libraries. As Julia Muller of the Savannah Morning News so aptly put it, "Maybe it's just because this past year has been hectic with the installation of the electronic archive, the Floyd evacuation and my mom getting seriously ill. I'd like to be able to handle it without the urge to kill."

Mari Keefe, an editorial research specialist at Computerworld who likewise was unable to travel to conference this year, suggested we present a program on building an intranet - the real basic, hands-on type of program where neophytes could have some actual computer experience in building one. And Carolyn Edds from the San Antonio Express-News always enjoys "reference sessions as we have had in the past. I think these are very useful sessions … and I always think they are packed."

As always, I would like to continue to serve as your conduit during the year. I always learn a great deal just by monitoring (okay, lurking) the listserv, but there are times I am hesitant to ask questions more relevant to smaller libraries. Last year I asked if people wanted to be placed on the "small(er) libraries email list" and about six people responded. I have kept that mailing list and would be willing to add names and distribute to all if there is continued interest. Again, let me know. Perhaps small(er) libraries would feel more comfortable talking to other small libraries under some circumstances?

And if you have any ideas or suggestions on how to help and/or increase our contact with smaller libraries, please let me know. Being a member of the News Division of SLA has provided me the opportunity to learn valuable processes and information and therefore be a more valuable employee to my company. We need to find more ways to reach out to others in small libraries as well.


Marcia MacVane is Library Director at the Portland Press Herald / Maine Sunday Telegram. You can contact her at mmacvane@pressherald.com.


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