BOOKS ON THE GOIST 601

Steven InzerCarolyn Fagan

Penny SweeneyMary Patroulis

Michael Mansfield

Troy Public LibraryParking and Access Issues

Sour

Source: Google Maps. (2009) Map data from Tele Atlas, 2009. Retrieved from http://maps.google.com.Source: [Photograph of the Troy Public Library]. (2009) Retrieved from http://the troylibrary.org

Parking Problems

Street parking has historically been an issue

Limited number of nearby parking spaces Limited handicap access No employee parking Adjacent courthouse lot is not available

to patrons

Exacerbated by Branch Closings

Lansingburgh Sycaway

Closed in January 2009 due to defeated budget.

Source: [Photograph of the Lansingburgh Branch Library]. (2009) Retrieved from http://the troylibrary.orgSource: [Photograph of the Sycaway Branch Library]. (2009) Retrieved from http://the troylibrary.org

Circulation Data

June 2008 June 20090

2000

4000

6000

8000

10000

12000

Items circulated at the main library

Source: Upper Hudson Library System. (2009). [Database of usage statistics]. Retrieved from http://

Comparative Growth Data

June 2008 to June 200990%

95%

100%

105%

110%

115%

120%

Troy LibrariesCohoesColonieBethlehem

Source: Upper Hudson Library System. (2009). [Database of usage statistics]. Retrieved from http://

Those Particularly Affected

Youth Seniors Handicap Parents with young children Staff Patrons who drive

Anecdotal Evidence

Ten families who came to the story hour at the Lansingburgh branch no longer attend.

At two separate public forums patrons expressed widespread concern about lack of parking as the primary deterrent to main library use.

Patrons now use libraries in other towns. Many older branch patrons are now no longer

using libraries at all.

Source: Carolyn Fagan. (2009) Former branch manager and current adult services librarian.

A Two-pronged Solution

Book-thru Enhanced Public Catalog

Source: Google Maps. (2009) Map data from Tele Atlas, 2009. Retrieved from http://maps.google.com.

Book-thru Features

ATM-style kiosk with: Library card scanner Display screen Voice intercom Book return bin Information board Electronic check-out Car-hop delivery

Enhanced Public Catalog

Shelfari OPAC+

Enhanced Catalog Features

Remote access to available library holdings

Suggestions for similar readings Virtual reservations Social OPAC possibilities

Benefits of the two-pronged approach

Reduce parking demand. Frees up parking for patrons using

programs and computers. Provides 24-hour browsing access. Virtual library experience. Increase circulation. Appeals to broad range of users,

including digital natives. Efficient and convenient.

Making it happen

Money Grants, Federal Stimulus, Partnering with local industry and businesses

(AMD, Target, Panera, Price Chopper) Creation of library district with funding

Development and outreach Partnering with RPI and Russell Sage Partnering with local public school districts

Evaluation

Circulation statistics Patron activity Surveys