Blogs
Library Visit 3
Santa Cruz Public Library System, Santa Cruz, California
The article I selected described a dilemma. A pre-pandemic $67 million bond funded the renovation and redesign of the system’s ten libraries. There was debate over how much of the money should be spent on crisis-driven design issues such as social distancing and to what degree the designs should move forward on the assumption that a resurgence of Covid or another pandemic are not around the corner. Ultimately, moveable walls were selected to allow the open space size to change. More windows were installed to allow in fresh air which is a both a response to immediate needs and a good health practice. Small unisex bathrooms were installed to address patrons’ comfort and any preferences based on privacy, hygiene, or gender identification (Ewen, L., 2021). The article can be read at: https://web-s-ebscohost-com.proxy.lib.odu.edu/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?vid=3&sid=7936c462-49a1-4ab7-928c-7bec767778b2%40redis.
Library Homepage
The homepage is written in English with some Spanish language announcements. There is a general announcements page in Spanish. An instruction page for requesting a library card is written in English and Spanish. The writing is easily understood and is at the same reading level of a newspaper.
Ebooks are available through OverDrive/Northern California Digital Library, hoopla (which has a lowercase spelling), and TumbleBook, which features animated audio picture books. Audiobooks are available through OverDrive/Northern California Digital Library and hoopla. The library system still has audiobooks on CD. Movies and television programs are available through hoopla and Kanopy as well as DVD. Music is provided through hoopla and SoudSwell, and CDs. The New York Times and Overdrive provide newspapers and magazines in digital format. They also have Explora and other sites that help students with homework and drivers’ education.
The library features in-person tech assistance to help people with setting up their devices to use Overdrive and basic lessons in using computers. These half hour sessions are arranged by appointment.
The California Room in the downtown branch houses Special Collections such as historical maps. There are digitized historical collections on the website. There is an index to local historical newspapers and digitized local historical newspapers only available on site. Ancestry Institution, which is a very basic version of Ancestry, is also available. A YouTube channel features local oral history interviews.
The site has a Covid-19 resource page with links to with multi-lingual books for children and resources for parents. There is a teen page with resources for help with test preparation. The “Self Help” link guides teens to library books on topics such as dating, eating disorders, and contraception, but the WordCloud link does not have findings under the heading of “Sexual Orientation.” Three books appear under the heading “Gender Identity.” I searched in the ebooks and standard book section and there is a large selection of books on LGBTQ topics for different age groups in both formats. The word cloud links could lead a patron to think there were few resources on this and other subjects. The page could use updates.
A link marked “Services” explains the mask requirement policy, and lists the telephone and email, text number, chat feature, and hours of operation for individual branches.
Programs
Programs have resumed in the buildings with a mask requirement. Programs for adults include Dungeons and Dragons, reading assistance, document assistance for individuals experiencing homelessness, Thai Chi, and knitting classes. Zoom format events include a book club for adults, and an online writers’ open mic night. There is also a page with Veteran’s resources. There were in-person events and a Veterans’ Information Service, but the service it is closed due to the Covid crisis. There are also alternative books for those with sensory disabilities and home delivery for those who cannot visit a library due to illness or ambulatory issues. There is information on a computer text enlarger computer desk in the downtown branch.
Programs for children include on-site story time in Spanish and English, craft project events are taking place in the building.
I do not see information on curbside service. The was no mention of the renovations to the libraries on the website. That surprised me. Since the bond is so large it is possible that the system was underfunded for years. It seems like a decent system that is particularly good at digital resources. The new funds coming in will add likely add to what they have to offer their community. The website is below average, but it seems logical that upgrade will be made after the renovations take place. On the question of how “welcoming” the page is, I found it neutral. There is a link to request a newsletter, which would provide updates.
References:
Ewen, L. (2021). Virus responsive design. American Libraries, 51(9/10) 36-40. https://web-s-ebscohost- com.proxy.lib.odu.edu/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?vid=3&sid=7936c462-49a1-4ab7-928c-7bec767778b2%40redis
Santa Cruz Public Library (2021). SCPL. https://www.santacruzpl.org/
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