The contradictions of public libraries It is probably obvious to say that libraries are essential aim to provide good service to its customers or users. And to do so, must strive to be a place as nice and friendly to the user.
But really this is so? The reality is that no. This is what it says
Wayne Disher (1), director of the Public Library Hemut in Hemet (California).
According to him, libraries are mixed messages. And grouped into four areas:
1. attitude 2. Facilities 3. Policy 4. Signage To show these contradictions,
attached the following examples:
-
Attitude: When you arrive at the public library, you find signs that say "Everyone is welcome to library", but staff attitude coincides with that message? Library staff are pleased to answer user questions. However, often show a stern expression, with apareciencia to be busy, that invites the user approaches to ask any question.
- Facilities: We want to give the impression of modernity, but the library buildings always convey seriousness, immutability and, moreover, are often damaged and in need of a good reform.
- Policy: Our intention is that users come to public libraries, we say that they can have a good time, but we put locks. An example would be: "Come spend the afternoon at the library, but do not bring anything to eat or drink."
- Signage : m any times the problem is not what is said but how they say . Instead of putting the posters "Not allowed to use mobile phones in the library" could remove the negative element message and put "Take your phone conversations in the Mobile area."
Libraries should emphasize the change in attitude, the way you work and operate like a business, as if users had to pay for use (as it really occurs, since the bear with their taxes). Public libraries, libraries in general have to remove the obstacles, the "sacrifice" of people to use and make them a cozy, comfortable and useful.
Note1: the original article blog belongs to "The M-Marketing World Libraries" Kathy Dempsey.
