Day in the Life of a Library

The Mid-Hudson Library System is promoting an idea that appeals to me--a day in the life of a library.  Given the recent weather, having the "day" between February 13 and 19 (the week chosen to for local libraries to document their day with photos and videos) is somewhat chancy--the day might show the library closed because of snow and ice.  Also I wish we have more than two weeks to organize for documenting a day.

Despite these potential problems, I like the idea and urge the staff, Friends, and Trustees to give it a thought. If February 17 is chosen, for example, the day would include the February Board meeting and, probably more fun, Kinderstories; so that would be my choice for a "day."  We would need someone to take photos and, even better, to use some video equipment, available on most recent cameras as well as with the easy-to-use Flip Video Camera.

Here is a slightly edited version of the MHLS announcement (mainly omitting details of how to submit the data and photographs):

Participate in SNAPSHOTNY: A Day in the Life of a Library during the week of February 13th — February 19th, 2011!

What’s life like on a typical day at your library? Wouldn’t you like to document just how busy and essential your library is with statistics, pictures, videos and user comments?

Then join New York’s libraries and participate in SNAPSHOTNY: A Day in the Life of a Library by collecting statistics, comments, and photographs/videos from one day to provide tangible proof that libraries consistently provide invaluable services to our communities, in our schools and on our college campuses.

Ready to join? Then pick a day and collect statistics on:

• How many patron visits?
• How many people used your public computers?
• How many reference questions did your staff answer?
• How many children participated in programs (including school visits as well as library-sponsored programs)?
• How many adults participated in programs?
• What was the total circulation for the day?
• How many hits did your website receive?

We’d also appreciate it if you ask your patrons why your library is essential to them. Collect their responses and then tell us the top five.

But just as important we need you to send us your photos and videos of A Day in the Life of your Library.

• Submit your statistics and testimonials by Feb. 23rd so we can compile everything and showcase the information at Library Advocacy Day, Tuesday, March 1st in Albany. The libraries submitting the top three videos/photos/comments will receive a Flip Video Camera and one free registration to the NYLA Annual Conference in Saratoga Springs – Nov. 3-5, 2011.

Use the comment section for this post or speak to Daniela Pulice (Library Director) to apply to take photos or videos.