Got Questions? The Library Has Answers!

Did you know that the number of questions answered at Plainfield Library has increased 2,100% in the last 25 years? It's true! In 1990, over 2,500 reference questions were answered. In 2015, more than 56,000 questions answered by librarians! FTR - that doesn't count things like "where's the bathroom?" and "what time do you close?" With smartphones and Google answering the easy questions, librarians get the complex questions like device troubleshooting and hands on help - and teach people to be good information consumers.

Thanks to EveryLibrary for this great visual. In person, by phone, via chat, text or email, your librarians are ready to help!

For questions specifically regarding the upcoming referenda on the March 15 ballot, stop by a Drop In Q&A with me 6pm-9pm on Thursday, February 4 or 10:30am-2:30pm in the Lower Level Lobby. I'll be handing out Winter Reading buttons too!

21st Century Public Libraries Help Transform the Workforce

According to this article on CNN Money today, jobs are being lost to redundancy and automation, but created in different sectors, requiring different skills. The article states:

"Countries will have to invest in transforming their workforce if they want to keep up with the changes and avoid a worse case scenario of "talent shortages, mass unemployment and growing inequality," said Klaus Schwab, the founder and chairman of the World Economic Forum.

Investing in education and adult learning programs is a good place to start.

Around 65% of children starting primary school today will end up working in jobs that don't yet exist, and their future training is crucial, according to the report." [emphasis mine]

21st century public libraries support job skills development and adult learning programs, as well as the more traditional roles of supporting early literacy development and education. As the job market changes and in-demand job skills shift, public libraries offer adult learners opportunities to gain and develop the skills employers are seeking as well as supporting education for kids.

The Plainfield Library's proposed building and expansion plans are based on providing 21st century public library service to this community that will help our workforce develop the skills that are in demand in the job market, today and in the future.

Libraries Transform

The new campaign from the American Library Association about the changing role of libraries is very timely for Plainfield! Libraries connect our communities to resources and how to use them. Libraries connect people to each other as community centers. And libraries offer services that are as unique as our community.