Overview

This ""how-to"" manual is a thorough compilation of essays detailing the start-up, maintenance, management, and evaluation of mobile, public library outreach services, promising to become the ""bible"" of public library outreach. Today mobile outreach is more vital and diverse than ever, with librarians taking it to the streets for senior citizens, childcare organizations, immigrants and low-literate populations, urban and rural communities, prisoners, low-income populations, and other traditionally underserved public library populations. The first book of its kind in more than two decades, On the Road with Outreach: Mobile Library Services provides step-by-step guidance for those wishing to initiate or improve outreach services in their communities. The essays collected here come from some of the best-known movers and shakers in the mobile outreach field—all of them subject experts and active outreach practitioners. Focusing on the practicalities of establishing and maintaining service to various populations, the book covers everything from design, purchase, maintenance, and automation of bookmobiles to planning and promotion and serving specific populations. Anecdotes, as well as sample service agreements, contracts, applications, staff schedules, and other working documents enhance the text.

Full Product Details

Author:   Jeannie Dilger-Hill ,  Erica MacCreaigh
Publisher:   Bloomsbury Publishing Plc
Imprint:   Libraries Unlimited Inc
Dimensions:   Width: 21.30cm , Height: 2.30cm , Length: 27.40cm
Weight:   1.021kg
ISBN:  

9781591586784

ISBN 10:   159158678
Pages:   348
Publication Date:   01 November 2009
Recommended Age:   From 7 to 17 years
Audience:   Professional and scholarly ,  College/higher education ,  Professional & Vocational ,  Tertiary & Higher Education
Format:   Paperback
Publisher's Status:   Active
Availability:   Manufactured on demand  
We will order this item for you from a manufactured on demand supplier.

Table of Contents

Preface (Satia Marshall Orange) Acknowledgments Introduction (Jeannie Dilger-Hill and Erica MacCreaigh) PART I: MANAGING LIBRARY OUTREACH 1 Planning and Marketing Outreach Services Candice Brown Planning Establishing Your Mission Evaluating Your Current Situation Existing Services SWOT Analysis Funding Identifying Who Lives in Your Community Gathering Information about Your Community's Needs Stakeholder Meetings Focus Groups Surveys Setting Priorities Writing Goals and Objectives the SMART Way Developing an Action Plan Marketing Marketing One Thing at a Time Identifying the Marketing Audience Marketing Methods Doing it Yourself Press Releases Working with the Media Conclusion References Additional Resources Marketing Samples Sample Press Release 2 Managing Outreach Staff Amy Varner Stephens Selecting Staff Job Qualifications and Duties The Driving Factor Job Descriptions Library Clerk Bookmobile Driver Library Associate Librarian Outreach Manager Scheduling Staff Supervisory Challenges Oversight and Evaluation Conclusion 3 Mobile Library Collections Julie Abbott and Jeannie Dilger-Hill Integrated (Shared) Versus Dedicated (Separate) Bookmobile Collections Pros and Cons Requirements for a Dedicated (Separate) Collection Requirements for an Integrated (Shared) Collection Collection Development Policy Selection Weeding Physical Arrangement of Materials By Age and Height of Patrons Clustering by Different Groups' Interests Browsing Bins Removable Shelving Oversized and Delicate Materials Security Conclusion References PART II: LIBRARY OUTREACH, A COMMUNITY COMMITMENT 4 Rural Bookmobile Service Jan Meadows History of American Bookmobiles Profile of Rural Library Patrons Setting up Services Identifying Places for Service Delivery Determining Times for Service Delivery Rural Schools Staffing Types of Vehicles Maintenance Routine Upkeep and Repair Breakdowns Technology Marketing Bookmobile Schedules Internal Marketing External Marketing Conclusion References 5 Bookmobile Services to Urban and Suburban Communities Julie Abbott Library Outreach via Bookmobile Publicity Community Building Service Delivery Types of Bookmobile Stops Institutional Stops Need-Based Stops Convenience-Based Steps Identifying Service Needs Who Qualifies for Bookmobile Service? Identifying Potential Bookmobile Patrons Identifying Service Sites Maps and Satellite Images Exploration Drive Arounds Identifying Gathering Places Determining the Need for a Bookmobile Bookmobiles versus Other Mobile Outreach Methods Defining Service Criteria Inputs and Outcomes Factors that Influence Success Eight-Hour Limit on Driving Bathroom Breaks and Meal Breaks Memorable Stop Schedule Routes Parking Duration Patron Lifestyles Continuity Seasonal Scheduling Other Considerations Measuring Impact Damage Control: What to do When Your Bookmobile Breaks Down Conclusion References 6 Library Services to Immigrants and English Language Learners Emily Klopstein, Becky Russell, Pilar Castro-Reino, Lisa Murillo, and Lou Petterchak Common Characteristics of English Language Learners and Immigrants Identifying Service Needs Reaching Immigrant and English Language Learning Populations Engaging the Community Promoting Library Services Translation Programs and Services English Language Learning Programs Computer Instruction Life Skills Workshops Intergenerational Programs Managing Multiple Languages Collections Creating Diversity-Friendly Library Spaces Staffing Library Staff Teachers Evaluation Special Service Challenges Conclusion References PART III: LIBRARY OUTREACH TO CHILDREN 7 Serving Preschool Children and Childcare Providers Theresa Gemmer and Ruth Pettibone Literacy Risks in America Setting up Services Identifying Needs and Advocating for Services Negotiating Services with Childcare Providers and Facilities Scheduling, Routing, and Parking Managing Circulation Agency Cards Personal Cards Models of Service Delivery Methods Classroom Support for Teachers Kits Classroom Collections Storytimes Selecting Books Length and Size Illustrations Characters Theme, Age Appropriateness, and Scope Collections Wear and Tear Nonfiction Board Books Picture Books Early Readers Teacher Resources Media Organization of Materials Staff Conclusion References Sample Letters to Providers and Parents Letter of Introduction to Facility #1 Letter of Introduction to Facility #2 Letter of Introduction to Parents Additional Resources Literacy, Learning Gap, and Childcare Web Sites Publishers of Preschool-Level Books 8 Serving School-Age Children Mary Anne Marjamaa Specialty Bookmobiles for School-Age Children Vehicle Design Fixed Features Décor Collection Development Books Other Materials Organizing the Collection Setting Up Service Sites The Importance of Communication Parking Setting the Schedule Evaluation Marketing Library Services Services to Teachers Services to Children Managing Children's Behavior Deposit Collections Programming Fines Staffing Conclusion Additional Resources Bookmobile Information for School Year 2009–2010 Bookmobile: Sample Classroom Sign-Up Sheet Publishers of Elementary-Level Books PART IV: LIBRARY OUTREACH TO SENIORS AND HOMEBOUND 9 Books-by-Mail Kathleen Mayo A Typical Day in Books-by-Mail Identifying Your Customers Workspace Considerations Mailing Materials Postage Mailing Equipment and Supplies Staffing Collections Automation: Special Features Procedures Selection Tools Promoting the Service Budget Other Service Models Conclusion Sample Forms Sample Books-by-Mail Application for Service Sample Free Matter Application Additional Resources 10 Homebound Delivery Service Joyce Voss Determining the Community's Need for Homebound Services Fundamentals of Homebound Services Determining Who Qualifies Registering Patrons Selecting and Delivering Materials Selection Strategies Selection and Delivery Staff Select—Staff Deliver Staff Select—Volunteers Deliver Volunteers Select—Staff Deliver Volunteers Select—Volunteers Deliver Patrons Select for Themselves—Staff or Volunteers Deliver Staff or Volunteers Select—Non-Library Staff Deliver Staff or Volunteers Select—Non-Library Agencies Deliver Staff or Volunteers Select—Materials Are Delivered by Mail Delivery Methods Managing Staffing to Meet Patron Demand Recordkeeping Staffing Library Staff Volunteers Recruitment Hiring and Screening Motivation and Retention Safety Precautions Privacy Absences Communication Awareness Appropriate Boundaries Funding Marketing Conclusion References Sample Forms Sample Homebound Services Welcome Letter Sample Homebound Services Application Sample Homebound Patron Interest Checklist Sample Volunteer Liability Waiver Sample Homebound Patron Feedback Form Additional Resources Sample Criminal Background Check Policy Statement Homebound Delivery Programs Mentioned in Chapter 10 11 Lobby Stop Service to Nursing Homes and Retirement Facilities Bernie Garrison Assessing Existing Services and Exploring Alternatives Budgeting Site Selection Identifying Potential Service Locations Determining Eligibility Setting Up for Service Delivery Vehicles Design Working with Vendors Maintenance Staffing Scheduling Collections Policies and Procedures Marketing Additional Services Evaluating Services Advocacy Conclusion Additional Resources Sample Lobby Stop Intake Form Sample Lobby Stop Letter of Agreement PART V: LIBRARY OUTREACH TO THE INCARCERATED 12 Library Services to Incarcerated Adults Maggie McFalls-Picher The Public Library Model Service Standards Technology Collections Programs Reentry Services Collaborations Within the Facility Community Collaborations Public Library Outreach to Prisoners Advocacy Conclusion References Additional Resources Publishers and Web Sites for Graphic Formats and Urban Literature Web Sites for Correctional Librarians 13 Library Services to Incarcerated Youth Teresa Valenti Culture Shock Security Childhood Development Special Needs of Incarcerated Youth Managing Behavior Providing Library Services Collection Development Programs and Services Library Environment Working with Facility Staff Conclusion References Additional Resources PART VI: ALL ABOUT OUTREACH VEHICLES 14 Designing Your New Bookmobile Scott Pointon Step 1: Determining Who You Will Serve Step 2: Determining What Services You Will Provide Step 3: Choosing the Best-Suited Vehicle Style Van Cutaway Van/Box Truck Step Van Bus Chassis Truck/Trailer Combo Tractor Trailer Step 4: Determining Who Will Operate Your Bookmobile Step 5: Determining Who Will Maintain and Service the Vehicle Step 6: Planning Vehicle Specifications Step 7: Securing Funding Conclusion Additional Resources Bookmobile Base Vehicles, Comparative Table Sample Request for Bookmobile Funding Resource List for Bookmobile Design and Funding 15 Writing Vehicle Specifications Michael Swendrowski Preliminary Research: Measure Twice, Cut Once Selecting the Base Vehicle Van Cutaway Low Floor RV Step Van Truck Front Engine Bus Rear Engine Bus Trailer Tractor Trailer (Semi-Trailer) Getting Vendor Input Writing the Specifications Document Shopping Your Project to Prospective Vendors Analyzing the Proposals Conclusion 16 Vehicle Maintenance Jeremy Andrykowski Working with a Mechanic Managing a Preventive Maintenance Program Getting Staff and Administrators on Board Scheduling Preventive Maintenance Know Your Vehicle Customizing an Inspection Report Disaster Planning Treat the Vehicle with C.A.R.E. Keeping Your Bookmobile Clean Advantages of a Clean Vehicle Cleaning the Interior Cleaning the Exterior Clean the Engine, Generator, and Other Moving Parts Being Attentive Creating a Routine Making It Effective Conclusion Additional Resources Sample Bookmobile Pre-Trip Inspection Report 17 Automating Your Bookmobile with Communications Technologies Tom Walker Telecommunications Technologies Cellular Testing the Signal Selecting an Aircard Installation Connection Speed Boosting the Signal Satellite How Satellite Technology Works Common Challenges Parking Bookmobile Roof Satellite Position Environmental Barriers Provisioning Hierarchy Installation WiFi Troubleshooting the Circulation Client Conclusion Additional Resources Automation Glossary Automation Vendor Contact List Additional Readings Appendix A Association of Bookmobile and Outreach Services Guidelines (2008) Appendix B Sample Bookmobile Specifications Appendix C Sample Bookmobile Pre-Construction Questionnaire Suggested Readings and Resources Index About the Editors About the Contributors

Reviews

<p> The detailed advice and examples provided in the text make this a valuable addition to any public library supporting mobile services. - <p>Booklist

Author Information

Jeannie Dilger-Hill is director of the La Grange (IL) Public Library, a suburban Chicago library serving 15,000 residents. Erica MacCreaigh served four years as a senior library consultant to the Colorado Department of Corrections.

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