A dear friend of mine is doing some research into the current situation of libraries that serve children, and particularly school libraries. I offered to help, so I’m posting her questions here.

Feel free to answer here or email me directly at Rettstatt (at) gmail (dot) com. Also, if you happen to know of any good online resources, please share.

If any of my readers work in the field and have a few minutes to answer three questions by tomorrow (Tuesday) evening, then I’ll owe you a big favor. At the very least, I’ll owe you a signed copy of The Sky Village for your library or personal collection, whichever you prefer.

(1) What is the biggest challenge facing your library specifically and libraries serving kids (especially schools) in general these days?

(2) What’s the best thing that’s happening with your library?

(3)  What do you see on the horizon–emerging trends, possible opportunities, potential obstacles to look out for?

Bonus (optional) questions:

(4)  Who does the buying for your library?  What is the process?  Is it effective?  Why or why not?

(5) What do you wish people knew about libraries and kids these days?  Or, if you prefer, anything else you’d like to say to someone who’s very interested?

Tags: librarians, school libraries