Bullitt County Public Library Main Branch Ridgeway Memorial

Bullitt County Public Library Main Branch Ridgeway Memorial Library Field Experience Tonya R. Saylor Summer 2012 LME 502

Introduction Ridgeway Memorial Library is the main branch of the Bullitt County Public Library system. It is located in Shepherdsville, Kentucky and serves the people in the county and the surrounding areas. Ridgeway provides free access to informational and recreational resources, including books, audio books, videos, internet access, help for people doing specialized research, classes, and many types of public programs. Services and activities are provided for all ages from pre-school children to senior citizens.

Current Programs at Ridgeway Crochet Classes (Beginner>Advanced) Computer Classes (Individual & Group) Seniors Wii Bowling Book Discussion Groups Family Movie Night Anime, Manga, & Jpop Group (Teens) Lights, Camera, Action! Theater Group Mother/Daughter Book Club Teen Summer Reading Cool Summer Crafts Toddler Story Time (birth-2 years) Storyhour (ages 3 -5) Messy Toddler/Preschool Crafts Lego Club American Girl Party

Field Experience Date/Time Field Experience Tasks June 27, 2012 (10: 00 -1: 00) Met with the staff. Toured the library to become familiar with the layout and where resources where located. Straightened, organized books, assisted patrons. Shadowed staff as books were re-shelved. Learned how books were checked in and out, how computer time was allotted, and about the genealogy department. June 28, 2012 (10: 00 -1: 00) Assisted the Children’s Librarian with the Summer Reading Program. The main library has a large meeting room in which tables were set up to allow children to create art projects. The children made homemade play dough and slime, played games, and created masks. Interviewed librarian about yearly budget, purchasing, weeding, donations, challenged items, etc. June 29, 2012 (10: 30 -2: 30) Traveled to another branch to assist with 2 Summer Reading Programs(Children’s & Teens). Interviewed the librarian about the types of programs that are popular within the community. Discussed ideas for future programs and how to “advertise” to let people know what services the library provides.

Library Environment Email permission granted to use photos To gain access to the library, you must come up a flight of stairs or use the ramp (handicap accessible). Opening the front door leads you into a foyer filled with information and upcoming events. There is also a table of weeded items that are available for a donation. The circulation desk is immediately to the right of the front door. Magazines, newspapers, and a small collection of Spanish material are found to the left of the entryway against the wall. The New York Best Sellers are also found in this area. New material are shelved to the left of the table and chairs and are kept there for approximately 3 months before being placed in the regular collection.

The Library Environment The Reference & Information Desk is found in the middle of the library with the computers directly in front. The Children’s Section is to the far right hand corner of the library. The Fiction & Non-fiction and Reference Section is to the back left hand corner of the library. Email permission granted to use photos The open floor plan of this library allows for plenty of open space which aides in supervision.

The Library Environment Email permission granted to use photos The Teen section is housed here. There are two computers, two plush couches, and a table to make the area comfortable and inviting to teenagers. There are multiple large, floorto-ceiling windows throughout the library that allow a lot of natural light into the building.

The Library Environment The staff creates informational handouts and brochures to meet the needs of the patron’s. Email permission granted to use photos

The Budget Money is lost if not spent by the end of the fiscal year (July 1 June 30) Librarian makes sure to spend all money (and sometimes goes slightly over budget) to show that the funding is needed Librarian makes purchases for 10 months, last 2 months are set aside for finalizing the budget Branch librarians and community members may make a purchase request Most requests are granted as long as the book is available for purchase and will be of interest to others as well Branch Book Budget ($280, 000) Ridgeway $103, 000 Mt. Washington $67, 000 Hillview $63, 000 Lebanon Junction $47, 000 Branch Budget ($69, 000) Ridgeway *Money stays at the main branch but material rotates to other branches CD music, Playaway, Bluray, DVD’s, Books on CD, etc.

Weeding The following items are never removed from circulation (replaced if damaged) The librarian explained that there are 3 main reasons for getting rid of material Caldecott Newberry Condition Age Popularity Weeded items are often donated to nursing homes, jails, & schools Interesting Fact: Most popular item right now is Shades of Grey, had 51 holds on the item at one time

Challenged Items Librarian reports that the library does not censor books, but may move a book to another section if challenged (Example: questionable children's book may be moved to teen or adult section) It is rare to have material challenged Librarian only remembers two instances of an item being challenged Kids using drugs in a book Satanic verses in a book

Reflective Essay My Field Experience was such a valuable part of this class because I learned so much by being able to participate in the management of a library and to watch the librarian performing such important roles. It is amazing how much goes on behind-the-scenes! Up until this point, my only experience with public libraries has been as a patron. I also learned more about the important services libraries, and the librarian, provide to the community and as a result, gained a new appreciation for this free community resource that most of us take for granted. Library Media Specialists must be the central figure in assuring that individuals, especially students, are using and have access to appropriate sources so that library skills and information problemsolving skills become a part of their daily lives. The role of the librarian is critical in helping individuals attain optimum use of information literacy. “All members of the school community need to understand that the library media specialist is uniquely qualified, valuable, and able to provide essential information literacy instruction and valuable information services” (Lowe, 2000).

Reflective Essay I had the opportunity to work with several of the librarians within this library system and the main point all of them stressed was that they each tried to assess and meet the needs and wants of the community members; from budget planning, to books and materials purchased, to the programs planned. It was refreshing to see professionals having the stakeholder’s best interests at heart. “The community (its geographical, political, economic, cultural, and social characteristics) influences the collection” (Bishop, 2007). Through this learning experience, I have networked with some amazing professionals in this field and hope to continue a working relationship with them through volunteering in the future.

References Bishop, K (2007). The collection program in schools: Concepts, practices, and information sources, 4 th ed. Westport, CT: Libraries Unlimited/Greenwood Publishing. Hughes-Hassell, S and Mancall, J. C. (2005). Collection management for youth: Responding to the needs learners. Chicago: ALA Editions. Lowe, C. A. (2000). The Role of the School Library Media Specialist in the 21 st Century. ERIC Digest. Retrieved June 16, 2012, from http: //www. ericdigests. org/20013/21 st. htm. of