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What Does _____(YOUR)_____ Library Accomplish?
I recommend that all types of libraries—academic, public, school, and
special—look at an analysis of library services provided by Jerry Baldwin, MN Department
of Transportation Library. Jerry poses the question of what the MnDOT Library
accomplishes—and answers it with facts, figures, and detailed analysis that could serve
as models for libraries of all types.
As Jerry says, the staff of the Mn/DOT library work to "provide information to Mn/DOT employees
faster, better and cheaper than they can for themselves."
He goes into some depth and provides cost savings for reference services, document delivery,
and routing services with total savings and avoided costs. If you want to quibble with his cost
figures, then substitute your own! He also discusses benefits and return-on-investment, which
is quite strong in the business world and is being requested by more public service
administrators and legislators during these tight budget periods. (Jerry's document was written
in Dec. 2001.)
I strongly recommend a study of this document to see what parts might be used to provide
greater understanding to your funding and administrative authorities about your library service
program.
Bill DeJohn