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For this library news roundup, I picked three headlines that probably aren’t going to get national attention, but still generated some strong thoughts and opinions. Let’s dive in.
The Maine Library Commission is reviewing another potential rule change for public libraries in the state, which would include a minimum number of ILL transactions each year to qualify for van service, annual reports submitted to the Maine State Library, minimum staffing requirements, strategic plan requirements, and more. You may remember their first potential rule change from last year which would have required all public libraries to have paid directors that was eventually rescinded. I recognize that Maine has a lot of very small, rural libraries but I was surprised that some of these requirements weren’t already in place, like submitting annual reports to the state library.
The Central Branch of the Hamilton Public Library in Ontario may soon require all visitors to present their library card in order to enter the building. This is supposedly in response to rising safety concerns, which I am very sympathetic to, but this does not seem like an efficient solution. I don’t have enough space to do a deep dive into this strategy, but the library CEO, Paul Takala, is quoted as saying, “’The protocol is designed to ensure that people visiting Central can obtain a library card or pass and use the library, provided they are willing to identify themselves and be accountable for their actions within the library.’” Patrons shouldn’t need to identify themselves to enter the building and requiring them to do so goes against so many public library values. It sounds like staff are dealing with an increasing number of traumatic incidents at this branch, but I don’t think this is going to fix the problem.
This is a paywalled article, but St. Charles County Library (MO) employees have been ordered to remove LGBTQ+ flags and other “personal belief” decor from their workspaces. “St. Charles City-County Library CEO John Greifzu said the move is part of a push to make the library ‘welcoming to everyone.’” Call me cynical, but I don’t believe for a second that the CEO gives an actual rip about everyone feeling welcome in the library. Also, what constitutes “personal belief decor?” If I have a Star Wars poster up in my office, is that reflective of my personal belief that Star Wars is a great movie? If I have a potted succulent hanging out on my desk, would that be considered a reflection of my personal belief that succulents look nice in my workspace? I’m being overly facetious here, but this rule change is clearly aimed at LGBTQ+ and other marginalized staff and is so utterly ridiculous.
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