Libraries adapt to changing user needs

David Clapp is not resisting change.

“There’s no reason libraries can’t respond to (a growing inclination toward audio-visual resources),” said Mr. Clapp, director of the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Bicentennial Library.

He said the library has been circulating more DVDs, audiobooks, CDs and downloadable materials. In the past five years, library resources have increased 17 percent and patronage has increased by 30 percent, he said.

Mr. Clapp and company have come across challenges, however. Plans to renovate the downtown library in 2004 were shelved due to funding issues.

The library came under fire in recent months. A report commissioned by the mayor’s library task force criticized the library for poor allocation of funds. The report also stated that the library “lacks a clear vision and strategic plan.”

“We just didn’t have the money to buy more furnishings or renovate,” Mr. Clapp said. “We haven’t had capital money since 1999. A lot of these are things we can’t address without getting a source of money. One thing we can do is redirect our collection.”

In response to the report, Mr. Clapp said the library will plan to follow community-stated priorities, rather than “trying to be everything to everybody.”

“We’ll be putting most of our dollars next year in popular reading and lifelong learning, instead of (reference materials),” he said.

In 2005, the library began a rental program of DVDs and bestseller books. For $2 a week, patrons can rent DVDs and new bestsellers. Once the items are paid off, they go into the free borrowing program.

Under Mr. Clapp’s guidance, the library has also been expanding its community outreach programs, including genealogy workshops, ESL classes, a teen center and programs for children and seniors.

In 2008, a quarterly film series was introduced. The upcoming season features six little-known short films.