Survey says . . .

At the end of last year we conducted a brief survey about what we offer in and through the children's department. The questions topics ranged from the collection to the programming to computers. Like the best of surveys, we learned some interesting and very helpful things. The respondents fell evenly into 2 distinct groups - parents and teen/preteen users. What might be surprising is that their responses were fairly similar - except for computers.

We asked if we should offer internet access in the children's room. Right now, only the online catalog is available, and we thought perhaps it was time to revisit. Over half the parents saw no reason to offer the internet, citing concerns with policing it and it not being necessary since access could be found elsewhere. Overwhelmingly, the kids wanted it. So we are looking into a couple of options: 1) Offer access to our online databases only so that doing homework and research could be enhanced, and 2) Find some good filtering product so that policing usage would not be an issue. Our goal is to make sure that kids have the same quality access and services offered to our adult users while remaining mindful of protecting our young patrons.

Many respondents told us that the kids audiobook collection (cassette and CD) wasn't good enough. Improving that collection is a goal for this year. (In fact it is a goal for the adult collection too, but will be another day's topic.) We have started in a big way by putting together a collection of a new audiobook format - Playaways. These are a nifty product that has no tapes or discs to get lost or damaged, and looks and feels similar to ipods. They are book and player all in one, and we thought kids would be the perfect test group for them. Watch for this collection to be ready for use within a few weeks.

We want to hear your ideas and suggestions. Your comments do have significant impact. Take the time to let us know either by talking to us directly or sending your comments through this blog or our webpage.

Books: Julie and Romeo, by Jeanne Ray
How to protect your children on the Internet, by Gregory S. Smith