Dual Use Libraries: Guidelines for Success

Dr. Ken Haycock

Combined libraries have been studied extensively for more than 30 years. Common advantages and disadvantages have been identified, together with typical problems. From the work of researchers in three countries, predictors of success have been identified for joint-use ventures.

A common physical facility from which library services are provided to two ostensibly different communities of users

Dual use library School-housed public library Joint-use library Combined library Community library Co-located libraries

Courtesy (class visits) Specific services/groups (home work

centers) Formal cooperation (joint programs) Formal Collaboration (partners

plan/assess)

Common: Combined public (secular, tax-supported) school , more commonly high school, in smaller communities

Becoming more common: academic/public

Various physical and access configurations

Improved collections, resources, services, hours

Less duplication Focal point for community Better use of public funds

Location Fewer Adults Fewer Students from Other Schools Instructional Issues Crowding Censorship

Conflicting Purposes/Bodies/Missions Formal/informal Role Conflict Qualifications/Benefits/Schedules Location/Context/Low Use Governance/Management – Boundaries Responsibilities/Assessment Security for Children

1. Population Base2. Formal Planning3. Legal Agreement4. Board5. Integrated Facility

6. Connected7. School Support8. One Leader9. Communication10. Unrestricted

Access

Less than 10,000 Some suggest less than 3,500 Mainly rural historically

Before opening Comprehensive; involved the

stakeholders Strategic; environmental scan Roles/ responsibilities Time, money available Who does what? When? Choies, options on the table Shared vision results

Governance (e.g., policy-setting) Administration (e.g., ownership,

reporting) Finance (e.g., maintenance) Operations (e.g., performance

measures, security) Including guidelines for evaluation and

dissolution…

Or Management Committee Overall framework Develops policies and procedures Selects and evaluates director To whom report? School principal?

“Downtown”?

Conveniently located Visibly located Accommodates variety of groups and

resources Separate area for adults Exterior/interior entrances Designated parking near entrance Form and function…

Network, regional system or consortium Enhances electronic resources/ licences Professional development and training Advice/support

School principal desires success Criterion in hiring and transfers Beyond the beginning… Teachers support the concept Role of principal in leadership

One highly motivated professional in charge

Issue of qualifications Flexible, adaptable Understands environments Understands networking, advocacy and

marketing; critical for success

Regular communication and planned cooperation between public library and school staff(s)

Pressure and support to collaborate Strategic plans Annual reports Recommendations for improvement

No restrictions on access No restrictions on circulation of

materials Issue of appropriate use of technology Issue of “filtering”

Research base and evidence No unsupported belief systems; mindful

ignorance Courtesy – cooperation – collaboration –

collocation (co-location) Examples of improved collaboration

More closing than opening…

Dr. Ken HaycockSchool of Library and Information Science

San Jose State University2009

Haycock, K. (2006). Dual use libraries: Guidelines for success, Library Trends 54(4), 488-500.