If you are someone who hasn’t visited a public library in a long time, you may be shocked the next time you visit.
During a recent chat (on the telephone, not the computer) with Sarah Meisels, director of the Wheaton Public Library, we learned some interesting facts:
– LPs are out and CDs are in. Wheaton currently has 7,845 CDs. “We still have a few LPs around, but these are specialized recordings that aren’t available in CD format,” Meisels said.
– There are a few typewriters for library patrons to use, but computers are the norm. “I use an IBM Selectric,” Meisels said, “and I cringe anytime something goes wrong (on it), because I’m afraid I may have to send it to the junk heap.”
– Card catalogs are out, and on-line catalogs are in. What has happened to all those lovely wooden cabinets? “We dismantled them and sold them to the public,” Meisels said. “People use them as side tables and to store things like nuts and bolts.”
– More people are listening to books. Wheaton’s collection of books on tape numbers 3,715. “We have a high demand from commuters, many of whom drive long distances to work,” Meisels said.
– Patrons are not only listening more, they are also turning on their VCRs more often. Wheaton has 3,800 videos in its adult and children’s collections. “It’s not Blockbuster,” Meisels said. “We have a lot of classic films.”
Yes, but does the library have any books?
Definitely. A book is still the most requested material. “We have 310,000 books in our collection,” Meisels said.
Technology hasn’t decreased the demand for books and other materials. Meisels believes technology has caused an increase. “It is easier to search successfully using technology,” Meisels said.
Last year, users of the Wheaton Library checked out 913,829 books and other materials. Just five years earlier, the figure was 729,087.
The library is also spending more time providing education to patrons through classes on the on-line catalog and investments, among others.
