Public Libraries Essay -- Library Science, American Library Associatio

My Library Celebrate the County Public LibraryPublic libraries play a pivotal role in the lives of many Americans, from early bringing up to senior operate. The majority of Americans believe their local depository library improves their community (94%), and an equally significant bet (65%) have visited at least one time in the past year (American Library Association, 2010). Residents of Connecticut are no exception. As of 2007, Connecticut boosts 195 public libraries containing a circulation of approximately 15.5 million books, and enjoys the third highest rate of per capita library visits in the nation, at 6.5 visits per capita (National Center for Education Statistics, 2009). The West capital of Connecticut Public Library, bests the state average, with approximately 10.5 library visits per capita and a circulation of almost 1 million books, a significant slice of the total state circulation (National Center for Education Statistics, 2009). As the birthplace of Noah Webster a nd mere miles away from the former homes of Mark Twain and Harriet Beecher Stowe, West Hartford has a rich literary history that continues to this day.American libraries have suffered financial blows in recent years (American Library Association, 2010), with Connecticut libraries suffering a 15 year operating income low in 2010 (CT Library Community) however, in the current state of the nation, public libraries are experiencing a resurgence in popularity, as individuals get by the recession flock to public libraries (Rooney-Brown, 2009). Residents of communities across the country are taking advantage of the free services public libraries offer, such as videodisk rentals, computer usage, social groups, workshops, lectures, and countless other public assistances (Rooney-Brown, 2009).... ...ion Statistics, 2009). If residents were aware of the numerous services offered by the library, presumably they would visit the WHPL at a greater frequency. The primary simulated military oper ation of the campaign will be to leverage each service as an argument for visiting the library. The campaign will present a significant number of arguments and in turn, boost My Librarys credibility. The services presented may range from free Internet and computer usage to free mediation sessions. The diversity of the services in addition to the sheer number of services will provide a strong argument, as each service provides a unique benefit to library patrons. Equally important, the act of visiting the library requires a strong degree of motivation and effort. Research shows that several robust arguments significantly supplement the cater of a message if the recipient is highly involved (Petty &