By working with SCCLD, JukePop is able to connect the public to independently published content, one chapter at a time, and allows readers to provide feedback and ratings. As it says in the ULC award website, SCCLD and JukePop wanted to provide a new route to independent eBooks because of the cost to libraries and challenges to library patrons. This new platform cannot replace demand for comprehensive commercial eBook services, but JukePop is able to offer a twist on ebook content: self-published fiction in an easy to use and highly interactive platform.

The public can view the JukePop platform by visiting the SCCLD website. Clicking on the cover icon for each book takes you directly into the first chapter of the book, for quick reading. Each book can be tagged for content and genre. JukePop provides analytics that will help quality content be showcased, including through reader retention and reader rating. A recent browse in JukePop led me to works in a wide range of genres, including adventure, dystopian, and paranormal—content runs eclectic, but appears to be family friendly.

Some libraries might be reluctant to provide broad access to self-published fiction, or even to promote access to a new platform from the main library website. While it is understandable that libraries want to be cautious about new technologies or forms of content, SCCLD appears to benefit from working with a company that can mediate these concerns. All of the content in the platform is separate from the SCCLD catalog, and, according to their website, all comments regarding content or technical problems should be directed to JukePop.

While digital content will continue to shift with available technologies and modes of expression, libraries should consider the possibilities of providing new ways of sharing self-published and independent fiction, especially in an era that delights in serial media. SCCLD should be recognized for taking an experimental leap into providing patrons access to a new writing landscape, which may help readers—and public libraries—better support creative communities.

References

Barack, Lauren. “JukePop Opens Kickstarter to Get Indie Ebooks into Libraries” The Digital Shift. September 27, 2014.

The post Santa Clarita Library and JukePop: A New Collaboration for Independent, Self-published EBooks first appeared on Public Libraries Online.

Entitled “Building Inspiration: 21st Century Libraries Initiative: Reimagining The City’s Gateway To Information, Literacy, Economic Opportunity, And Civic Engagement,” this initiative is a model for collaboration among a large public library system, city government, and a local foundation. The William Penn Foundation contributed $25 million, with an additional  $35 million in total given by city and state government, and private gifts.

Strategic Priorities

How did this major gift take place? The William Penn Foundation’s Grant Overview application says it has “strategic priorities” for closing educational opportunity gaps, and that “it is more important than ever for us to allocate scarce resources for maximum impact.”  As the FLP press release emphasizes, this initiative will incorporate improving physical spaces through renovation and supporting outreach with new programs. The Free Library of Philadelphia is in a unique position to meet critical needs in the community, which makes it an ideal recipient for a significant grant.

In the library’s press release, Janet Haas, MD, Vice-chair of the William Penn Foundation Board of Directors, confirms that libraries are a logical entry point to strategically create meaningful change in communities.  “The community libraries, in particular, are becoming vital neighborhood centers, places where people come together to build community, engage with one another and use tools and resources needed to be successful. Libraries are places of life-long learning, which is why we are so pleased to be a partner in this important work.”

Here are some highlights from the initiative:

Central Branch

The FLP will construct two new areas at the main Parkway Central library, both of which have an entrepreneurial focus. One new area, The Common, will “serve as an active community space where individuals can gather to create, collaborate, and share.” The Business Research and Innovation Center will offer “incubator space for new projects and ideas” and support.

Neighborhood branches

The initiative will fund renovations and programming innovations at five city branch locations, by creating “hubs” to support specific community needs. For instance, the Tacony branch is “situated in the heart of a re-emerging commercial corridor,” so the FLP will focus on developing resources and space for small businesses and entrepreneurs. It should be noted that the five branch locations are prototypes, suggesting that evaluation and further development will continue to develop.

Partnership with City Schools

In addition to other partnerships with community organizations, the Free Library will strengthen its work with the School District of Philadelphia, “to ensure that all public school students receive the academic support they need to succeed.”  The FLP has already taken large steps to collaborate with the School District, including summer and after school reading programs, as well as completing an effort to make sure that all School District students have library cards.

For a deeper look at the initiative, see the FLP press release, or visit www.21stcenturylibraries.org for detailed plans.

The post Free Library of Philadelphia Building Inspiration Initiative— An Innovative Model of Library Service first appeared on Public Libraries Online.

A preliminary look at bike-based services in public libraries across the United States reveals that bike-powered services can be a flexible medium for innovative outreach in a variety of urban settings. The small scale nature of a bike allows highly personal contact to a community even en route to scheduled events.

Zac Laugheed, a librarian with Denver Public Library, describes their bike-based service DPL Connect as “a vehicle that allows us access to our community in a different way.” As described in the article cited above, DPL connect is “a bike-powered service that circulates books; provides a wireless hotspot; and assists with research, ebook downloads, and library card sign-ups.” Certainly, bike-based library services compliment an expanding urban bike culture. Within the context of public libraries, these outreach programs also produce entirely new contexts for service. “Red lights turn into reference interviews…people yell from across the street and cheer from their apartment balconies,” Laugheed says.

“Libraries, books, and librarians can excite people of all ages, especially when they are found in unexpected places,” says Emily Meyer, Children’s Librarian at the Uphams Corner Branch of the Boston Public Library. The Boston Public Library has introduced Bibliocycle with service to community events, where residents can sign up for cards, check out books, and “see demonstrations of the library’s digital resources.” Meyer says, “I love being able to reach new patrons with the program, but it’s also much fun to surprise current patrons who don’t expect to see librarians outside of the library.”

Innovative Service

Both librarians cite recording basic statistics as part of evaluation of these services.  According to Meyer, the Bibliocycle pilot program has been an opportunity to adjust and fine tune services. Bike-based service requires working with limitations, especially the heft of books. Meyer says that BPL notes “which books are most popular—picture books, teen books, adult fiction, and so forth—so we can adjust which books to bring with us, given there is a limit to how many books the Bibliocycle can safely carry.”

Laugheed cites the value of “excitement and exposure” in evaluating DPL Connect.  “The true impact is that the people of Denver look at the library in a different way,” he says.

Christine Schonhart, Director of Library Services, Branches for Boston Public Library, says that, “We are meeting new people, talking about our services and even reintroducing people to the library who may have been away from us for a while.”

How are libraries using bike-based services in your community?

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More information (and upcoming events) about the Bibliocycle program from Boston Public Library can be found on their website for community events.   For more information about Denver Public Library, visit their website.

Cover image credit: Courtesy of Boston Public Library. Retrieved from https://www.flickr.com/photos/bostonpubliclibrary/14444364719/in/set-72157645624517311

Works Cited

Francis, Chris. “Custom Library Book Bikes Roll Out Across US.” American Libraries. August 13, 2014.  http://www.americanlibrariesmagazine.org/article/custom-library-book-bikes-roll-out-across-us (accessed August 20, 2014).

The post Bike-Based Library Services: Innovative Outreach first appeared on Public Libraries Online.

Nutritional Literacy and Your Library

Many libraries are expanding their missions to include a broader definition of literacy.  Nutrition is a fundamental need, and gardening can spur new conversations in your community. Some communities may focus on nutrition by promoting access to fresh produce.  Many libraries will benefit from incorporating more hands-on programming for children and teens by highlighting DIY skills.  Library gardens are a natural setting for a seasonal celebration with a nutritional focus.

What Kind of Garden Will You Grow?

A garden can fit your space and resources. Libraries with larger outside space can build raised beds.  Buckets or large pots are a great option for libraries with limited space. Growing lettuce mix, basil, or pepper plants is surprisingly easy even for the most novice gardener, and even small harvests yield big lessons about nutrition and food. Check out this gallery of library gardens that accompanies the SLJ article for some ideas on how libraries have used the space available to them.

Cultivating Your Curriculum and Programming

Use the establishment of a garden to promote your programming and events, including film showings, recipe sharing, or garden- or nutrition-themed talks. Invite your patrons to help with maintenance. Even weeding is more fun in a social setting!

Create special displays from library resources.  Share relevant articles from your local newspaper, or national gardening magazines. What better time to supplement your collection’s gardening books?

Getting Started

Determine how starting a garden can support your goals and mission through increased outreach and innovative programming.  Create a budget that fits your available resources, but also think about applying for local or federal grants for future years.

Recruit your patrons and library-system employees with green thumbs. Work with local non-profit organizations that support community gardening. Some of these organizations might be able to help get your garden started by providing materials or tools, volunteer labor, and recommendations for types of plants and organic gardening methods.

As with any library expenditure, a garden should be evaluated at the end of the season. Gardens are by their essence adaptable and can easily be adjusted to fit the needs and future goals of your library and patron community. Happy growing!

Some Resources for Starting a Garden:

10 Steps to Starting a Community Garden – While this helpful guide from the American Community Gardening Association is geared towards larger community gardens, the basic framework will give you a good idea of the organizational process of starting a garden.

Communitygarden.org

USDA People’s Garden

United States Department of Agriculture – This site has great FAQ’s and video tutorials for gardening resources, and information about federal grants.

Let’s Move

Works Cited

Dig It! Libraries are creating gardens to expand their mission: http://www.slj.com/2014/08/programs/dig-it-libraries-are-creating-gardens-to-expand-their-mission/#_

A Photo Gallery of Six Library Gardens: http://www.slj.com/2014/08/programs/a-photo-gallery-of-six-library-gardens/

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