Developing the Role of Libraries in Communities

Constanta, Romania county libraries joined Biblionet participants in sharing organizational and creative ideas during November sessions of the “Basics of New Library Services” course. Certified trainers Liliana Stamate and Manuela Dinica facilitated sessions about existing and potential resources, retaining and expanding library users, and the stages for developing new services.  Participants returned to their libraries with new methods and ideas based on the similar experiences of their fellow dedicated librarians.

Librarians demonstrated their determination in overcoming constraints to develop and expand library services.  Pursuing new library programming while simultaneously advocating library interests to local officials requires perserverence.  Harsova librarian Aura Toma encouraged her peers, saying, “I do all that I can to get resources from my library.  I do not stop after the first negative answer.”
Participants and trainers agreed that a librarian’s position is busy and demanding, especially during the economic crisis.  Fostering personal interactions with patrons is key.  The relationships that librarians develop with their communities make libraries stand apart from other information sources. 

Similarly, participating librarians emphasized the importance of new users and attracting youth to the library. “Librarians must lure children in, like the dentist, and not scare them off,” joked Alina Tantaveanu, librarian in the commune of Pecineaga.  Today’s children are vital to the library’s future because they are the book lovers and internet lovers of tomorrow.

Since library changes can bring new challenges, participants also discussed operating issues including opening hours, user management, and sustaining successful partnerships.  Libraries shared methods for helping patrons who arrive at the end of the day, allocating the use of computers, handling conversations, working with schools, and selecting speakers at community events. 

As new developments continue, many of the librarians look foward to furthering their training in applying for project funding, advanced IT, and online outreach through blogging and social media. Next time you visit your local library in Constanta, you might be pleasantly surprised!

Biblionet – Global Libraries Romania is funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and implemented by IREX.