Just Say Yes
Recently, I read a piece by walking paper on letting go. It is all about creating user-centered libraries rather than libraries that are focused on rules that may be preventing patrons from doing what they need to do in the library.
I already pride myself on running a user-centered library where we lend laptops to folks, have wireless, extend check out periods when requested, and much more. But after reading this post, I have started repeating to myself, "How can I say yes to more people."
Now I am exploring having a computer that will allow CD-ROMs to be loaded. I get requests for this several times a month, so it is a great service for us to offer, but I had never looked into it before.
I think that many libraries and in some cases, library systems that serve libraries, can be caught in a defensive posture where we are offended that the rules are being questioned at all and where we feel overwhelmed by what we already offer to patrons or members. But what would happen if we did start to say yes? We would end up with happier patrons, more content member libraries, and therefore more support. And we actually end up with a happier staff because of the positive aspects of actually saying yes, we can do that for you. It is a lot better feeling to say yes all day, than to say no or have to apologize for policy.