LJ Talks to Waynn Pearson and Don Buckley of the Cerritos Library
-- Library Journal, 1/17/2006
The Cerritos Library, CA has garnered international attention as the "Experience Library," a library that aims to capture audiences used to Disneyesque flash and give them substance at the same time. The titanium-clad library features an aquarium just inside the "Main Street" entrance corridor, a T. Rex in the children's room, and several themed spaces like a wood-paneled reading room and a YA area in Art Moderne style. LJ's Norman Oder, visited recently and spoke with director Waynn Pearson (a 2003 LJ Mover & Shaker) and his deputy Don Buckley.
LJ: I noticed driving here that there's no sign outside the building from the road—only from the parking lot. Is everybody expected to know it's the library?
WP: Our community has a very minimalist approach to signage, while committing to beautification of the city through a comprehensive planting program for trees and shrubs. When entering our city from any direction you immediately notice that the environment is much more park-like and peaceful. The library is truly the center of the community.
Who staffs the concierge station at the entrance?
DB: Everyone who works in the library works at least one half-hour shift each week on our Info 1 desk. The idea is to keep everyone on the staff directly involved with the public. I love getting out from behind the desk and meeting our guests on a less formal level. Even the staff in Support Services, including Technical Services, spend a portion of their time on various public desks.
You don't have a café directly in the library, but there is a teahouse in the adjacent civic center?
WP: When the library was being designed, a café was considered. Choices had to be made. We decided instead, to add an outdoor café, which has been a big hit. Remember, we are located in Southern California where the sun never sleeps!
Why does the sign upstairs say "Information and Reference"?
DB: While the term "Reference" may seem very clear to us as librarians, our visitors are less certain of its meaning. We want to answer any questions that the public may have. In the Children's Department, we simplify even more and use "Help."
WP: We really had a lot of fun with this one. Among our ideas for signage were "Hi", "Talk to me," and "Smart People."
What's the most important thing you look for in hiring new staff?
DB: Attitude. We want to know that the applicant has a real desire and commitment to help people. It is easier to teach skills than attitude on the job. The members of our staff are bright and knowledgeable and many have earned advanced degrees. We encourage our people to go on to library school and currently have four staff members enrolled.
You have 67 FTE employees, including 24 FT and 79 PT. How many have Master's Degrees?
WP: We have 12 management positions that are Librarian I and above. Ten have MLS degrees. Of the others, one is the IT Manager (BS degree) and the other manages the Conference Center, Facilities and Security (AA degree).
Why did you decide to put multimedia in the back of the library?
WP: Well…something has to end up in the back. Our aquarium and Old World Reading Room thematically and stylistically needed to be near the entrance. I suppose that in a way putting media in the back of the library is like putting milk in the back of the market. Got videos?
You have RFID--what percentage of total circulation is self-check?
DB: Over 50 percent. We have no goals for percentage use of self-check. We want our guests to continue to have the choice of using whatever checkout option they prefer. It will be their preference, not our preconceived notions, that will continue to determine this percentage in the future.
After three years, what would you change?
DB: Our computer Learning Centers. When designed they were to provide a new and exciting way of learning about the world, but ended up too print heavy. It was a lesson for us. The Learning Centers need to be more graphical and engaging. We have some innovative ideas to take us way beyond where we are now.
You've just added a lot of graphic novels for YAs and children. What else?
DB: We just added a sizeable graphic novel section in both the YA and Children's departments and have launched our own comic book, The Time Team, which comes out every two weeks.The story, which features an intrepid band of time travelers who dedicate themselves to saving the world's knowledge from the forces of evil, is written in house by a team of four writers. We have enlisted the expertise of YA author Michael Cart as our editor-in-chief. Topper Helmers, who has worked for DC comics, draws the strip, which will eventually be a graphic novel. The characters from the comic strip, portrayed by staff members, also appear as walkabouts in the library. Time Team shirts and badges are available for purchase in the Friends' store.
Lots of people come to visit. If they can't match your budget, what can they take away?
DB: Creating a positive experience for the guest not just intellectually but also emotionally. Broadening the definition of what a library can be. "WOW" customer service: staff scanning the horizon, walking around, and finding a way to say "Yes." What we like to hear is, "You have a beautiful building, but it's the people who work here who make it really special."
WP: It is important to understand that creative and innovative programming is an integral part of what we do in Cerritos, not an extra.
What might you do in the future?
WP: Phase Four, "From Dreaming to Doing"—a learning environment where people can be inspired to explore and make their dreams come true. It is still on the drawing board, but would expand the conceptions of what a library can be. This area would be both immersive and interactive, using holographic and CAVE technology to deepen the guests' experience and broaden their horizons. The idea is to stimulate people's imaginations and creativity in ways that can positively affect their lives. Stay tuned.
