Philadelphia public library
A public library is always at a disadvantage in this day and age due to several factors. These include an ever declining audience, a propensity to use online sources to read and do research as well as the increasing financial cost of maintaining a proper computerised system and capable staff.
Internal factors which may impede a successful financial development include too much spending on books. Since the shelf life of such books may be short, it is important to ensure that the book purchasing committee in the library should be well versed on the taste of readers and what they require. Similarly staff should ensure that the appropriate feedback is given to enquiries as if these are not followed up well, members and readers may move to other libraries or simply go online.
Another issue which could have a negative effect on the development of the public library would be the misappropriation of funds for the expansion of the online library. In today’s digital age, books seem to have gone down the scale of importance so the switch to an online medium should definitely be considered.
Staff training should also be considered as a method to improve the library as the liaison with customers remains of the utmost importance. If staff are not trained properly or underpaid they will give a bad service and this will probably cause the library to suffer a decrease in its customer base. The library should continue in the implementation of cost cutting measures since these will enable it to offer a more efficient and more streamlined service.
References:
Thompson, Godfrey (1973) Planning and Design of Library Buildings. London: Architectural Press ISBN 0-85139-526-0
