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The following article,
written by Klaus Gaebel, is reprinted from The
Saugerties Post Star, 04-03-08
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Eagle's View
A View Around Town
Saugerties Post Star , April 3,
2008
The Library's Turn to
Renovate
By: Klaus Gaebel
Libraries are in peril. Computer technology is changing
the way readers browse books before deciding to buy a copy.
If you haven't checked it out - visit www.books.google.com
and you'll see where the future of online libraries is
heading.
Libraries aren't just competing with the internet. Like
independent and small town stores, libraries too are facing
competition from big chains.
Some book store chains offer their clientele comfortable
chairs while perusing an author's work of science fiction or
gardening hints, while sipping from their favorite cup of
gourmet coffee on a weekday morning.
Chains know many perspective customers browse their isles
of books without a title in mind, and so organize their
books by favorite categories. Libraries, on the other hand,
still largely utilize the card catalog and antiquated Dewey
Decimal System.
But, the chains offer less variety and a degree of
censorship, focusing on books with more general appeal.
Although they contain thousands of books, the chains limit
our freedom of choice and exposure to alternative writings
and ideas. If it doesn't sell - off the shelf it goes.
Because of independent movie and record companies, we've
become exposed to new talents, creativity, visions and
different perspectives. Many films and records would not
have been seen or heard by the masses if left strictly to
the big movie and music chain stores to decide what gets
released or sold. Libraries are to books what the Sundance
Film Festival is to movies.
Libraries contain writings from different periods of time
of our history and culture, with bestsellers standing
alongside out-of-print-books.
Libraries offer individuals in a community the
opportunity for lifelong education. After formal schooling,
libraries can be an important resource to continue one's
learning and studying of subjects pertaining to new
interests that provide personal growth.
Libraries provide equal access to a wealth of information
and materials, no matter what the socio-economic background
of the child or adult. That's where libraries score huge
points over profit motivated chains.
Libraries act as meeting places and hubs for
interaction.
Like many businesses, libraries will need to change in
order to survive. Cable didn't do in the major television
networks, and web based businesses aren't about to undue
brick and motar stores. Libraries can survive and coincide
with their new competitors because they provide unique
services and functions. They'll have to learn to incorporate
better customer service into their mission and vision.
Imagine using your computer at home to check if the library
has a certain book on hand, or when it's expected back.
The library board is hoping the community will agree with
their decision to revamp and modernize the public library on
Washington Avenue. They want to expand the library's stock
and scope of materials, offer a much more comfortable and
tranquil setting, provide on-site computers, reading areas,
a public meeting place, and full accessibility.
Whether done purposely or not, having a vote in four
short weeks prevents the likelihood of organized opposition
to the proposal.
Pricing is a strategy when selling soap suds, or, in this
case, a library. There's a psychological effect of ending a
price with 99-cents. It helps sell a product. For example,
$8.99 sounds cheaper than $9.00, although it's only a penny
difference.
The library renovation carries a price tag of $6.995
million. In this case manipulating the price to fall $5,000
short of $7 million makes it seem like a bargain because it
hasn't reached its next bracket.
The price starts with a "6" because library renovation
advocates would rather it be called a $6 million library
bond than a $7 million bond.
Besides the total price tag, taxpayers want to know what
the affect will be in their annual library tax bill. Car
dealers sometimes think they have a better chance of selling
their car by advertising the "low monthly payment" instead
of car's price. Library advocates will stress the financial
impact in those terms too.
According to library financial advisors, the $6.995
million bond will have an average taxpayer share of
approximately $67 annually for 25 years on a home that is
assessed at $200,000.
Trustees have been discussing the library for years,
during which time they considered numerous sites. They
listened to the community and arrived at the same conclusion
many in the public had - leave the library at its present
site. Expanding the existing building became practical when
the library board was able to purchase adjacent buildings
and grounds to the existing library.
Unlike some other previous expensive proposals in
Saugerties, the library board has been very up front with
the public, communicating in different ways and seeking
input. That should give the public a sense of trust when
they vote on May 7th.
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