February 3, 2010
Transforming Libraries: A Look at the Future
Leslie Burger
Executive Director, Princeton Public Library
Minutes of the 18th Meeting of the 68th Year
The President of the Old Guard of Princeton, George Hansen, called the eighteenth meeting of the 68th year to order at 10:15 AM on February 3rd, 2010.
The invocation was led by George Hansen.
Minutes: Claire Jacobus read the minutes of the January 27th meeting.
Introduction of Guests: The Old Guard welcomed the following guests: Marue Walizer introduced by Joan Fleming, Mary Wisnovsky and Thomas Roueche introduced by Claire Jacobus, and Natalie Cruickshank introduced by Phil Cruickshank.
Introduction of New Members: President Hansen asked for the introduction of new members. Robert Miller introduced Alice Goodloe Whipple, Jack McFarlane introduced Anthony Glocker, Bill Haynes introduced William Burks, Cy Meisel introduced Charles Gray and Ruth Miller introduced Sybil Stokes.
Announcements: President Hansen reminded the members of the Old Guard snow policy which is to follow the recommended closing of the Princeton Regional Schools or members can call 609.806.4202. He then announced the next meeting will be held in the New Fields Center beginning at 10:15 AM. The speaker will be Gillet Griffin, retired Curator of the Princeton University Art Museum talking about “The Art of Collecting”.
Introduction of the speaker: Claire Jacobus introduced the speaker, Leslie Burger, who is the Executive Director of the Princeton Public Library. She is internationally known as a consultant, an administrator and a visionary. The Princeton library receives 850,000 visitors each year. The new Library building is filled with light and serves as the community’s living room. Leslie Burger herself is an enlightened library director who will talk not just about the Princeton library but libraries around the world. Ms. Burger served as President of the American Library Association from 2006 to 2007. Her talk is called, “Transforming Libraries: A Look at the Future”.
Ms. Burger reported that during her year as president of the American Library Association, she was often asked why we need libraries now that we have the internet. Libraries are the hub and the magnet of a community in a way no one else is, she always responded. The Princeton library is celebrating its100th anniversary this year with a goal of a million visitors.
She went on to discuss the megatrends in libraries, using slides of many different libraries world-wide to illustrate the following points:
- Libraries are transforming their spaces, getting away from the bus station look. They now have comfortable, user-centered designs, and flexibility. They are often made of green materials and feature big open spaces with lots of natural light. Books and DVD’s often are arranged in book store layout.
- Libraries are places of opportunity and learning, especially for people new to this country. They feature programming for job seekers, citizenship preparedness sessions, technology instruction, tutoring sites, and live homework help. Princeton’s library has a books by mail service, a free museum pass borrowing program for major New York museums, Red Box movie rental 24/7 outside the back door, and a reading dog for children who are shy about reading aloud (Emma, Princeton’s reading dog, is available to be read to every Friday afternoon).
- In an effort to strengthen civic connectedness, Princeton offers events almost nightly and sponsors a “one book; one community” program. Every election night the library is open for discussions and live TV coverage of the returns.
- Ms Burger gave great credit to Google but noted that just because information is on the web doesn’t necessarily mean it’s true. Libraries provide more informed learning. The library has 100 computers which are always all in use and has wireless connection that extends outside the library building. The Princeton Library’s face book page has 1,000 fans, writes and responds to twitters, and provides an easy to navigate web site.
Turning to the Princeton Public Library, Ms. Burger announced that on 10-10-10 this year there will be a big celebration of the library’s centennial. At that time she hopes to be able to announce a completed campaign for a $10 million endowment. The campaign stands at $8 million at present with a challenge grant for another million and anyone who would like to contribute is most welcome.
During the question period Ms. Burger was asked if the library of the future will be a tiny room full of e-books. A library is more than books, she responded. People come for access to technology, to interact with each other, to be involved in programs and discussions. The library is increasing reference subscriptions on line and those collections will be updated daily. We will need more computers and more study space. There will always be books until the reading experience is as good on e-books as it is with a book. Furthermore, not everyone can afford e-readers.
Ms. Burger discussed the many other services the library provides and emphasized that the staff of 80, 30 of whom are full-time, stand ready to help us all.
In response to a budget question, she said the budget comes 24% from the Borough and 56% from the Township. The Friends raise $300,000 by selling used books and through benefits. Other revenue comes from fines, movie rentals and state aid.
Reminding us of her 1 million visitors goal this year, she concluded by inviting all present to walk through the library’s doors, many times!
Respectfully submitted,
Alison W. Lahnston
The invocation was led by George Hansen.
Minutes: Claire Jacobus read the minutes of the January 27th meeting.
Introduction of Guests: The Old Guard welcomed the following guests: Marue Walizer introduced by Joan Fleming, Mary Wisnovsky and Thomas Roueche introduced by Claire Jacobus, and Natalie Cruickshank introduced by Phil Cruickshank.
Introduction of New Members: President Hansen asked for the introduction of new members. Robert Miller introduced Alice Goodloe Whipple, Jack McFarlane introduced Anthony Glocker, Bill Haynes introduced William Burks, Cy Meisel introduced Charles Gray and Ruth Miller introduced Sybil Stokes.
Announcements: President Hansen reminded the members of the Old Guard snow policy which is to follow the recommended closing of the Princeton Regional Schools or members can call 609.806.4202. He then announced the next meeting will be held in the New Fields Center beginning at 10:15 AM. The speaker will be Gillet Griffin, retired Curator of the Princeton University Art Museum talking about “The Art of Collecting”.
Introduction of the speaker: Claire Jacobus introduced the speaker, Leslie Burger, who is the Executive Director of the Princeton Public Library. She is internationally known as a consultant, an administrator and a visionary. The Princeton library receives 850,000 visitors each year. The new Library building is filled with light and serves as the community’s living room. Leslie Burger herself is an enlightened library director who will talk not just about the Princeton library but libraries around the world. Ms. Burger served as President of the American Library Association from 2006 to 2007. Her talk is called, “Transforming Libraries: A Look at the Future”.
Ms. Burger reported that during her year as president of the American Library Association, she was often asked why we need libraries now that we have the internet. Libraries are the hub and the magnet of a community in a way no one else is, she always responded. The Princeton library is celebrating its100th anniversary this year with a goal of a million visitors.
She went on to discuss the megatrends in libraries, using slides of many different libraries world-wide to illustrate the following points:
- Libraries are transforming their spaces, getting away from the bus station look. They now have comfortable, user-centered designs, and flexibility. They are often made of green materials and feature big open spaces with lots of natural light. Books and DVD’s often are arranged in book store layout.
- Libraries are places of opportunity and learning, especially for people new to this country. They feature programming for job seekers, citizenship preparedness sessions, technology instruction, tutoring sites, and live homework help. Princeton’s library has a books by mail service, a free museum pass borrowing program for major New York museums, Red Box movie rental 24/7 outside the back door, and a reading dog for children who are shy about reading aloud (Emma, Princeton’s reading dog, is available to be read to every Friday afternoon).
- In an effort to strengthen civic connectedness, Princeton offers events almost nightly and sponsors a “one book; one community” program. Every election night the library is open for discussions and live TV coverage of the returns.
- Ms Burger gave great credit to Google but noted that just because information is on the web doesn’t necessarily mean it’s true. Libraries provide more informed learning. The library has 100 computers which are always all in use and has wireless connection that extends outside the library building. The Princeton Library’s face book page has 1,000 fans, writes and responds to twitters, and provides an easy to navigate web site.
Turning to the Princeton Public Library, Ms. Burger announced that on 10-10-10 this year there will be a big celebration of the library’s centennial. At that time she hopes to be able to announce a completed campaign for a $10 million endowment. The campaign stands at $8 million at present with a challenge grant for another million and anyone who would like to contribute is most welcome.
During the question period Ms. Burger was asked if the library of the future will be a tiny room full of e-books. A library is more than books, she responded. People come for access to technology, to interact with each other, to be involved in programs and discussions. The library is increasing reference subscriptions on line and those collections will be updated daily. We will need more computers and more study space. There will always be books until the reading experience is as good on e-books as it is with a book. Furthermore, not everyone can afford e-readers.
Ms. Burger discussed the many other services the library provides and emphasized that the staff of 80, 30 of whom are full-time, stand ready to help us all.
In response to a budget question, she said the budget comes 24% from the Borough and 56% from the Township. The Friends raise $300,000 by selling used books and through benefits. Other revenue comes from fines, movie rentals and state aid.
Reminding us of her 1 million visitors goal this year, she concluded by inviting all present to walk through the library’s doors, many times!
Respectfully submitted,
Alison W. Lahnston