Tech News article

I wondered what an article from our Tech News might look like in a blog. Just an example to see what sorts of formatting problems might emerge. Jim

 

BUSINESS not AS USUAL AT NEW CAMANO LIBRARY

by Nancy Messenger

The Camano Island Library will open for the public on June 29, providing Sno-Isle with the opportunity to try a new approach to library service and collections. Rather than looking like a traditional library, Camano will offer patrons a browsing collection that focuses on popular new titles (including an Explore collection), subjects of perennial interest to patrons, and formats that are in demand at all of our libraries. Library services will be slightly different, as well.

How does Camano differ from other Sno-Isle libraries?

• The Camano collection will appear in the catalog but will not pick up holds.
• Camano will not be on router and the collection will not be shared. This practice will help ensure that the browsing collection at Camano is kept intact at that branch. (All copies of high demand titles will be in addition to the number of copies the system purchases to meet our holds-to-copy ratio.)
• Camano Library materials will have the same loan periods as those in other libraries, including the short loan period for POP materials, but Camano materials will not renew. Camano materials check out once, with no renewal. POP materials will have a POP location (that is, short loan). All other items, except for a few reference books, will have a location of BROWSE. Camano is the only branch that will use the BROWSE location.
• Staff in other branches should not refer their patrons to Camano to pick up popular materials that show a shelf status because these materials may not be on the shelf. Also, staff should not call Camano and ask staff to check the shelves for titles their patrons want.
• Staff in other branches should not check out Camano materials that are returned to a branch other than Camano. After returning a Camano item place it in a delivery box for return to Camano. The Camano library is on the North delivery route.

New shelving purchased for the library will enable staff to display the collection in much the same way as a bookstore. Materials will be available in multiple copies and will be shelved face-out. For the first few weeks the library is open, temporary shelving will be in place. This means that part of the collection will not be displayed but will show in the catalog as being on the shelf.

The Camano Library model may serve as a direction for Sno-Isle in managing services and collections at other libraries. Staff involved in planning and implementing this new library are to be commended for taking a risk in providing public service.