The Friday Follow-up: Member Uniqueness is Our Strength

“Equitable library services stem from library system infrastructure.” I briefly talked about this idea at last week’s STLS Annual Meeting & Conference. My intention was to help members connect with our cooperative library system’s value. Rural systems level the playing field for libraries of all sizes.

I additionally mentioned not all libraries provide equal service, and indicated this was a system strength. Following my remarks, one amazing trustee questioned my sentiment, “Why do you believe unequal library service is a strength?” It was a great question.

I take comfort in two things. First, library systems ensure all residents have access to fair library offerings. Meaning any person in the region can walk into their local library to checkout a book, or order materials from other libraries at zero cost to the patron. Second, member libraries are unique and reflect the needs of their community.

It is member libraries’ uniqueness that I believe is our strength. Not so much that they are unequal. Libraries have their suite of services… collections, programs, technology, outreach, etc. These are all core to our service model.

However, we must be realistic and understand not all libraries are equal. There will always be libraries with more local funding per capita than others. When everything else is the same, a library receiving $20 per capita will have a more robust collection than a library receiving $15 per capita. It is this inequality that forces members to think creatively, which in turn diversifies library services across the system.

 Some examples of this uniqueness within STLS member libraries include:

Not one library does all these things. But, the things libraries are doing… they do extremely well! This results in improved service for Southern Tier residents.

Furthermore, if libraries were equal, our community could expect the same service and quality at each one of our 48 locations. This sounds comforting. Who doesn’t like consistency in their public library service?

However, many community needs would go unaddressed if members subscribed to this approach. Additionally, regional public library services would just be plain boring. It is for this reason I believe unequal (or unique) library services are our strength.

Keep being unique, STLS member libraries. You do it so well!