Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Welcome!
Hello to all. With this blog, I will be exploring the many difficulties encountered by small rural libraries with attracting good and experienced employees. Often, these institutions are unable to offer the competitive salaries, logistical support, or benefits to be found in larger library systems. And yet the small library remains a staple of the American landscape. Let's hope it remains that way!
Monday, December 7, 2009
History and Scope of the Issue
The delivery of proper library services to rural populations has always been a difficult prospect. Scarce funds, scattered populations, and lack of resources combine to make a situation in which even the best library staff are hard pressed to meet the needs of their patrons. But perhaps the greatest challenge of all for rural libraries is attracting, training, and maintaining those dedicated staff members who will meet and overcome these obstacles.
Perhaps the most famous rural library experts in American history were the Pack Horse Librarians of the early 20th Century. This program arose to meet the needs of those Appalachian residents who had no local library or means of gaining access to books or educational materials. The mostly female staff who answered the call truly believed in the value of reading and undertook their often arduous task to deliver library materials and services to the most remote of patrons (Boyd, 2007). Many of those initially interested in, and supportive of, the program were those already engaged in literary clubs. A ready pool of engaged and eager bibliophiles was ready to meet the demands of the task. Those women chosen for the job were expected to have rudimentary library skills, but were also to be enthusiastic as well as friendly and ready to serve as ambassadors for the library (Boyd, 2007). These same expectations hold true in rural libraries today, as staff are known for their readiness to serve, despite often not holding traditional library credentials. Many of those called to serve still arise from active library users and book lovers, who come to the job as talented and energetic neophytes rather than formally schooled information professionals. The challenge becomes to train those already on the front lines as well as find a way to attract existing information professionals into the rural library setting.
Perhaps the most famous rural library experts in American history were the Pack Horse Librarians of the early 20th Century. This program arose to meet the needs of those Appalachian residents who had no local library or means of gaining access to books or educational materials. The mostly female staff who answered the call truly believed in the value of reading and undertook their often arduous task to deliver library materials and services to the most remote of patrons (Boyd, 2007). Many of those initially interested in, and supportive of, the program were those already engaged in literary clubs. A ready pool of engaged and eager bibliophiles was ready to meet the demands of the task. Those women chosen for the job were expected to have rudimentary library skills, but were also to be enthusiastic as well as friendly and ready to serve as ambassadors for the library (Boyd, 2007). These same expectations hold true in rural libraries today, as staff are known for their readiness to serve, despite often not holding traditional library credentials. Many of those called to serve still arise from active library users and book lovers, who come to the job as talented and energetic neophytes rather than formally schooled information professionals. The challenge becomes to train those already on the front lines as well as find a way to attract existing information professionals into the rural library setting.
Despite the incredible technological advances of the last century, providing library service to rural populations is still difficult, as is recruiting the special individuals who will fill the needs of their patrons. Those persons already trained and working as librarians will often not want to relocate to remote areas. Small rural libraries cannot always offer the same remuneration as urban systems, nor the active lifestyles that are often found in more metropolitan areas (Wood, 2008).
Additionally, small library systems are unable to provide the benefits that attract employees to their larger brethren. Limited staff means limited opportunities for vacation, sick leave, in-house support, technical services, and specialized expert assistance that can be found in university or urban libraries (Rexon, 2005).
The lack of formal training found in many rural libraries is a bit of a self fulfilling prophecy. As Dr. Vavrek has pointed out, some small systems do not understand the value of formal training, and so do not pay salaries commensurate with the investment of an advanced library degree (Rexon, 2005). The problems of limited funds along with an under appreciation of formal skills combine to make the move to small rural libraries unattractive to many information professionals.
But not all is lost. Small rural systems have benefits that cannot be offered in large urban areas. Those seeking new and exciting challenges will be drawn to rural libraries for the chance to take on a variety of roles and try out new positions within the library. While large library systems tend to be quite regimented and bureaucratic, smaller libraries by necessity must allow their employees to wear many hats and try their hands in a variety of tasks (Wood, 2007).
Others may be attracted to the rural lifestyle for the chance to escape the bustle of city life and set down roots in mainstream America. The cost of homes and land in rural areas is often significantly lower than will be found cities, and could allow for a higher standard of living, despite lower wages (Wood, 2007).
Some systems look to the Pack Horse solution, in which local people are brought in and trained the rudiments of the job (Boyd, 2007). Their experience with the community in question, combined with an enthusiastic attitude, is often enough to their population without having the standard training expected in mainstream library systems.
Just as all libraries seek to adapt to the changing challenges of a digital age, small libraries continue to struggle with the task of attracting, training, and retaining qualified staff, despite clear limitations in funding and logistics. According to some estimates, these small public institutions account for nearly 80% of all the libraries in the United States (Rexon, 2005). Such huge numbers of libraries must find innovative ways to bring in the right people for the tasks ahead. Just like the Pack Horse librarians of the past, it will take special people to address the challenges of the present.
Boyd, D. C. (2007). The Book Women of Kentucky: The WPA Pack Horse Library Project, 1936-1943. Libraries & the Cultural Record , 42 (2), 111-128.
Rexon, D. (2005). Proper Care and Feeding of the Endangered Species: Curator Bbiliothecae Rusticae (The Rural Librarian). Rural Libraries , 25 (5), 59-81.
Wood, E. (2008). When Distance Gets in the Way: Barriers to Recruitment in Rural and Remote Libraries. Feliciter , 54 (2), 54-56.
ALA Survey of Rural Librarians
In 2007, the ALA conducted a survey of rural librarians, asking them about such topics as their reasons for being in the field, thoughts about compensation, and job satisfaction. The results are fascinating. Some respondents sought out their careers while others stumbled into them. Some think they are well compensated, while others make only minimum wage. The answers are varied and intriguing, but nearly uniformly cement the fact that rural library workers are a special breed. They are a proud group that finds success despite imperfect conditions and understands the true value of their calling, even if those writing the paychecks do not.
The question of salaries is especially interesting. Note how one respondent tackled the issue.
"We have raised salaries here first by hiring and retaining excellent people and doing a wonderful job serving the community so that people really perceive the library as valuable." This Kansas librarian has accomplished what many of us only dream to be possible. They have finally communicated their value to their patrons and been rewarded with the financial recompense they deserve.
Sadly, this success is rare and countered by yet another Kansas librarian. "My co-director and I got a $.50/hr. raise this year to $10.00/hr. by cutting our education expenses for this next year." Here we see library directors who were making only $9.50 per hour as recently as 2007. The only way for them to increase their own salaries was to slash the budget of educational programs for their patrons. Such a compromise should not be necessary.
The dedication of library staff is unquestioned. They are smart, competent, and eager. The skills they bring to the job is all too often underestimated and thus, undervalued. The ALA's rural library survey gives us great insight into the mindsets of rural librarians from across the country, both those who have met with great successes, and those who still struggle to provide even the most basic services.
American Library Association. (2007, June). ALA-APA Rural Library Staff Salary Survey. Retrieved December 2, 2009, from American Library Association: http://www.ala.org/ala/aboutala/offices/olos/aboutolos/oloscommittees/rnt/rurallibsurvey.pdf
The question of salaries is especially interesting. Note how one respondent tackled the issue.
"We have raised salaries here first by hiring and retaining excellent people and doing a wonderful job serving the community so that people really perceive the library as valuable." This Kansas librarian has accomplished what many of us only dream to be possible. They have finally communicated their value to their patrons and been rewarded with the financial recompense they deserve.
Sadly, this success is rare and countered by yet another Kansas librarian. "My co-director and I got a $.50/hr. raise this year to $10.00/hr. by cutting our education expenses for this next year." Here we see library directors who were making only $9.50 per hour as recently as 2007. The only way for them to increase their own salaries was to slash the budget of educational programs for their patrons. Such a compromise should not be necessary.
The dedication of library staff is unquestioned. They are smart, competent, and eager. The skills they bring to the job is all too often underestimated and thus, undervalued. The ALA's rural library survey gives us great insight into the mindsets of rural librarians from across the country, both those who have met with great successes, and those who still struggle to provide even the most basic services.
American Library Association. (2007, June). ALA-APA Rural Library Staff Salary Survey. Retrieved December 2, 2009, from American Library Association: http://www.ala.org/ala/aboutala/offices/olos/aboutolos/oloscommittees/rnt/rurallibsurvey.pdf
Friday, December 4, 2009
Understanding Rural Change
The USDA tracks job trends in rural America. The organization published a report that noted a drastic switch from farm related occupations to those in the service industries. By 1997, over half of all rural workers were engaged in the service sector. Percentages of those actively engaged in farming activities were cut in half in the decades leading up to the publication of this study.
This switch to a service based model includes new focus on technologies and leisure activities, which speaks clearly to the special offerings and skills of librarians. As libraries are known to be on the cutting edge of evolving technologies and education, the stage seems set for a resurgence in the importance of the rural library in the lives of a populace that is seeking direction in a new economic paradigm.
USDA. (1997, June). Understanding Rural America . Retrieved December 4, 2009, from United States Department of Agriculture: http://www.ers.usda.gov/publications/aib710/aib710c.htm
This switch to a service based model includes new focus on technologies and leisure activities, which speaks clearly to the special offerings and skills of librarians. As libraries are known to be on the cutting edge of evolving technologies and education, the stage seems set for a resurgence in the importance of the rural library in the lives of a populace that is seeking direction in a new economic paradigm.
USDA. (1997, June). Understanding Rural America . Retrieved December 4, 2009, from United States Department of Agriculture: http://www.ers.usda.gov/publications/aib710/aib710c.htm
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Proper Care and Feeding
This article is a bit lengthy, but fully worth the time to read. The author goes into great detail outlining the difficulties of attracting and retaining good staff within public rural libraries, as well as meeting the needs of communities who may not even know what their local library has to offer.
The article cites Dr. Vavrek copiously, and pays great respect to the efforts of Clarion University in terms of addressing the unique needs of rural libraries. Take note of the extensive sections outlining the benefits of distance education for those interested in the field of rural librarianship. I think we can all speak to this topic at this point.
Please find the article on my Jupiter site . The article is identified as "Proper Care and Feeding". Enjoy!
The article cites Dr. Vavrek copiously, and pays great respect to the efforts of Clarion University in terms of addressing the unique needs of rural libraries. Take note of the extensive sections outlining the benefits of distance education for those interested in the field of rural librarianship. I think we can all speak to this topic at this point.
Please find the article on my Jupiter site . The article is identified as "Proper Care and Feeding". Enjoy!
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Terrific introductory article
Hello everyone. I recently came across an article which should provide you with a fantastic introduction to the difficulties of recruitment in rural libraries. The piece focuses specifically on Canadian libraries, but the issues are just as true for the U.S. as well. I've posted the article to my Clarion Jupiter account. The document is called "Recruitment Introduction". If you have any problems accessing this document, please let me know. Enjoy!
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