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York County Libraries hosts consultant Joan Frye Williams

Sarah Chain
YorkDailyRecord

ID=31909501

Joan Frye Williams has a long resume when it comes to library work -- she began her first library job in 1964.

She's served as a library consultant since 1996, focusing on innovation and technology. On Oct. 5, Williams spoke in front of staff from all 13 York County libraries as part of a staff in-service day.

Deb Sullivan, community relations director with York County Libraries, said they wanted to bring Williams in to speak because "she brings that real-life experience with her and can help guide libraries through this new transition."

Hers was the third of three presentations, on the heels of library visionary Jamie LaRue in August and futurist Garry Golden in September.

"(Williams') part was more of the hands-on library, thinking about how we can best serve the customer moving forward," Sullivan said. "We’ve all heard about the trends, but what are we supposed to do about them."

Williams looked at things like making the library even more inviting, helping users succeed on their own terms and getting the most out of resource they already have.

Williams encouraged library staff to think outside of the box, to consider designing or organizing some library spaces not by subject but by situation -- things that people relate to.

"They might not know what the library has, but they know what situation they’re in," Sullivan said. "You know you’re getting ready to have your first baby, (or) your first Thanksgiving dinner."

Williams also touched upon browsability and why that matters, according to Sullivan. A significant chunk of library patrons might come in for one book but leave with five, which is a product of libraries' "merchandising." Turning the book jackets out and arranging special displays can help draw patrons' eyes to specific titles.

Sullivan said she was surprised by Williams' prediction on what would change the most in the next few years: how youth experience reading. As Disney and other gaming companies put money into technology, Williams expects reading apps to grow in popularity -- to highlight real-world connections, add a soundtrack or offer other context.

Williams' ideas will be considered in York County Libraries' strategic planning, the committee for which met Friday for preliminary conversations.

The directors of all 13 libraries, plus administrative staff, will have to decide, Sullivan said, "Out of all these things the speakers have brought forth, what did they bring forth that we want to pursue? What were the ideas we should be considering?"

More:

-- Futurist Garry Golden speaks on how libraries can adapt to new trends

-- Jamie LaRue speaks on library trends nationwide and in York
https://www.ydr.com/story/entertainment/books/blogs/book-buzz/2012/10/09/york-county-libraries-hosts-consultant-joan-frye-williams/31909443/
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