Feedback

As LJ reported, the New York Public Library (NYPL) recently announced a major transformation plan (“NYPL Announces $1 Billion Makeover,” LJ 4/1/08, p. 14ff.) that will dramatically reshape this urban public library system for an exciting future. The plan includes the creation of a spectacular central library with integrated circulating and research collections in our historic 42nd Street building, new neighborhood “hub” libraries, expanded hours, new digital services and resources, and many other enhancements. Unfortunately, letters to the editor in your April 1 issue included a number of unfounded claims relating to our intentions and our process.

Our plans do not “funnel funds to our Research Libraries at the expense of the Branches” (“The two Davids,” Feedback, LJ 4/1/08, p. 10). Quite the contrary, we will spend several hundred million dollars to upgrade our Branch system in the three boroughs we serve, and funding for these improvements is far in excess of what will result from the sale of library buildings. The result will be some wonderful new facilities to serve our users better.

We are committed to retaining the critical collections and services we provide at Donnell and Mid-Manhattan but not all in their current locations. Many will move into the central library at 42nd Street. And there will not be less space; once the central library is complete, NYPL overall will have at least as much square footage dedicated to public service as we have today. Throughout the multiyear construction period, we will continue the present Donnell and Mid-Manhattan services in various temporary locations throughout the system.

It is most important to point out that we highly value the input of our staff and that a wide range of staff members have been instrumentally involved in developing our plans. Additionally, throughout the change process, staff members have expressed their opinions through many means, including on an open internal blog, at librarywide staff meetings, and directly to their managers. While internal communication in any large institution is challenging, we are committed to making sure that we achieve excellence in this area and are continually evaluating and improving our process.

We know that institutional change can be difficult and that there may be concerns among staff and users as we move through the [transformation of] our library. At the same time, change can be exciting and refreshing for everyone. In order to carry forward our heritage of public service, it is imperative that we adapt to the profound cultural and societal developments that are affecting the future of libraries.

—The Two Davids: David Ferriero, Andrew W. Mellon Director, & David Offensend, COO, NYPL

Linda Beck’s review of Jodee Blanco’s Please Stop Laughing at Us...: One Survivor’s Extraordinary Quest To Prevent School Bullying (LJ 3/1/08, p. 98) reads like a really sick joke. For Beck to personalize her review, including her parting remark, “Please stop being so impressed with yourself, Jodee!” was unprofessional.... I guess there are bullies even in the wonderful world of LJ.

—Fran Burke-Urr, Mgr., Collection Svcs., Fauquier Cty. P.L., Warrenton, VA

While I appreciate being named a Mover & Shaker (“The Man Who Said No to Dewey,” Movers & Shakers 2008, p. 12, Supplement to LJ 3/15/08), the article is inaccurate. It indicates that I am the one person developing the “Dewey-less Library.” The fact is, I was a member of an extraordinarily talented library team that planned and implemented the concept.

The Maricopa County Library District’s “Dewey-less Library” team uses several methods to learn about our customers. The PLA (Public Library Association) Planning for Results is used to develop the strategic plan and to get community input by conducting numerous community-based focus groups to gather opinions and ideas regarding library services and programs. The plan also included and used the results from the library district’s annual customer satisfaction survey and comment cards to garner even more information on library programs and services. The result was a successful pilot program for a “Dewey-less Library.”

I work with incredibly talented library professionals, and it is with their tireless commitment to making libraries great that this pilot program...is working for the Maricopa County Library District.

My sincere thanks to LJ for recognizing Maricopa County Library District’s forward-thinking efforts....

—Marshall Shore, Adult Svcs. Coord., Maricopa Cty. Lib. Dist., Phoenix

The item on the New Orleans Public Library’s (NOPL) new master plan (News, LJ 4/1/08, p. 15) inaccurately stated that a contribution from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation would help fully fund a new “jazz branch.” While the foundation is supporting interim libraries and NOPL’s master plan, other private sources are being sought to complement public funds to complete the branch.