Need Jefferson Parish residents to act!

I know that not everyone does my type of research at the library, but this will involve all reference materials. The library director is proposing some changes for both East Bank and West Bank Regional libraries which will, in essence, trash the rare and out-of-print books collections in the reference sections in favor of turning the libraries into an internet cafe/media center. We need ALL Jefferson Parish library patrons to attend a hearing. Following is some email correspondence between one of the library board members and myself:
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Thanks... the more people there, the more we can impress the Director that there are serious readers and researchers who happen to be westbankers. But also eastbankers should be aware that a reconfiguration of the interior of the Eastbank Regional Library is in the Director's plan for the future. One of the things he has mentioned to the Library Board is that he intends to move Special Collections in Eastbank Regional into the Reference area on the first floor. This will combine the 2 departments which had previously used both spaces. I have no numbers yet, but it will certainly mean a reduction in those resources, as well as a reduction in staff.
Thank Councilman Chris Roberts when you see him. He is the one who sponsored a Resolution to have public hearings before either Regional Library could be re-configured. Because of this resolution, we have an opportunity to speak out on the proposals before the changes are made.
Judy M.
Library Board Member, 1st Council District

Rita < > wrote:
Judy

Thanks so much for posting this. We need to do something seriously. The meeting is on April 1st, right? I'll make a note to be there.

Thanks again.

Rita

Judy M. <> wrote:
To all members of the Westbank Genealogy Society and those who conduct genealogy research in the Jane Chatelain/Westbank Regional Library:
As we have discussed at meetings, a public hearing has finally been set to accept public input on the proposed plan to re-configure the interior of this library. As I point out in the statement below, the book collection will be greatly reduced, particularly the areas most used for serious research. Please spread the word about the public hearing and ask those who cannot attend, to at least contact the Director & ask that your comments be added to those to be gathered at the hearing. It would also be a good idea to contact the Director's boss, Parish President Aaron Broussard , as well as your Councilman. Time is short to get the word out.
Thanks, Judy M.


PUBLIC HEARING ON REGIONAL LIBRARY
By Judy M.
Tuesday, April 1, has been set for a public hearing to accept comments on plans for the interior of the Jane Chatelain/Westbank Regional Library in Harvey . The meeting will be held in the Library, 2751 Manhattan Blvd , beginning at 7 pm . The public is invited to view the proposed plan, hear a small presentation and make comments to be recorded and reviewed by the Jefferson Parish Library Board and Library Director.
As a member of the Board representing the First Council District in which the Regional is located, I have reviewed the plan with great concern for its future as a place for research and education.
There will be a severe reduction of adult books, even after the two-year “weeding” program which resulted in discard of approximately one third of books in the overall library collection, including that of this Regional. Of particular concern to me, and I believe to everyone who conducts research as a student, a genealogist, a local historian, or for pleasure, is the reduction in non-fiction and reference books; as well as Special Collections.
To demonstrate, the following are actual numbers from the Jefferson Parish Library Department. A report on System Holdings dated January 10, 2008 shows that there are 79,343 adult books in Westbank Regional. Of that total 48,201 are adult non-fiction. In the proposed floor plan circulated to the Library Board at its meeting March 18, there will be a total of 26,600 adult books. Of that only 5,600 will be non-fiction. This is a planned two-thirds cut in adult books. Notice also, that contrary to accepted library practices, fiction books will outnumber non-fiction. This assumes that Westbankers do not need or desire serious materials.
In Special Collections, Genealogy will be cut by three fourths. The current holdings are 4,380 books. The planned total after the re-configuration of the Regional will only be 1, 134. The Reference Department will be cut from 6,624 volumes to 4,800. (The Board was not given proposed numbers on the Louisiana Collection).
These three areas: Non-Fiction, Special Collections & Reference are the heart of a library; and their attention or inattention, is indicative of the attitude of its caretakers. By de-emphasizing these sections, the focus and mission of this library will change from primarily educational to providing a media center or arcade. Serious researchers will find it more frequently necessary to “request” materials from the Eastbank Regional and/or other libraries whether in our own system or from others in the State or the Country. This delays access to study materials and costs more in hidden areas of the Library’s budget for handling such requests and transporting materials around the system.
What, you may ask is to take the place of books? Answer: over 100 computers and a beefed up media area. No one will argue against providing such amenities, but must it be at the complete decimination of the book collection?
It will be up to the public who attends the Public Hearing April 1 to decide what it wants from its library and let this be known. If you are unable to attend, write your comments to the Library Director WITH A REQUEST TO HAVE THEM INCLUDED WITH THOSE OF THE PUBLIC HEARING. You can write Lon Dickerson , Director, at Library Headquarters, 4747 W. Napoleon Ave , Metairie , 70001; and/or e-mail him at Ldickerson@jefferson.lib.la.us/

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Jefferson Parish citizens! Won't you 'hep us....or do you want an internet cafe instead of a library....at YOUR expense?





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"Nobody knows the truffles I've seen."
-Unknown-