Fairfield Lane Library

1485 Corydale Dr, Fairfield, OH 45014

Mayor’s Office Project

LIS 60040
Katie Feldkamp
 The Big Questions
How well positioned is the Fairfield Lane Library
to thrive in an ever changing information
environment?

and

Should they be initiated into the Mayor’s

Outstanding Institutions?
 Principles and Values
Vision:
The Lane Libraries provide opportunities within our
communities to learn, work, play, connect and
discover.

Mission Statement:
Find it at the Lane! The Lane Libraries provide
materials, services and technology aimed at
satisfying the curiosity, intellect and imagination of
our patrons throughout our communities, on our
website and by engaging in strategic partnerships.
 Purpose and role
The Fairfield Lane Library is a public library open to
everyone and actively participates in their community.
Multiple locations: By the numbers:
• Oxford, Fairfield, and • 182,665 registered patrons
Hamilton • over 1.7 million items
• Lane Community Technology circulated
Center • 120 computers available
• Bookmobile service • Over 270 free programs
• Book-drop locations offered
 Diverse User Base
Economic status of visiting patrons varies from
homeless to privileged. People come in with
different cultural and academic backgrounds,
different opinions, religious and political beliefs,
heritage, and life experience.

The Lane library system offers free programs

throughout the year for children, teens, and adults.
These programs range from beginning literacy-
based story times, all the way up to advanced
technology-based learning for people of all ages.
 Sources of Funding
• State Funding
– In 2011, the Lane Libraries were receiving 1.97
percent from the public library fund, but it has now
increased to just over 2 percent
• Community Funding
– Donations
– Property taxes through the operating levy
Organization Structure
 Issues Identified
• Technology
– the “Digital Divide,” which refers to the number of patrons
who understand technology versus the patrons who have
had no experience with it whatsoever.
• Social Services
– Librarians acting as social workers for patrons in need.
Other agencies often refer people to the library to get the
resources they need, but when they get there, they don’t
know what to do.
• Community
– Working with homeless patrons and those with drug
addiction problems. Librarians are expected to know and
understand how to help them.
What needs to be considered?
In order for the library to address these
issues, there needs to be:
• Continued staff training for how to best
handle a patron with special needs
• Maintaining strong community connections so
that patrons are aware that help is available to
them through events, classes, and staff
members
 If not addressed?
If these issues were not addressed:
• The library would become irrelevant
• Lack of community support
• Lack of funding
• Have a large impact on the surrounding homes
and businesses
 The Affect on Others
The Fairfield Lane Library is a part of the Fairfield Village
Green, which is a planned community. There are parks,
restaurants, stores, a farmer’s market, doctor’s offices,
and homes in the area that contribute to the library in
both positive and negative ways.

The library is expected to uphold a safe space for

everyone. By reducing the presence of “problem patrons”
and by offering services to help educate the community,
the library is keeping the area and the people in it secure
and knowledgeable.
Issues affected by library values?
• Support interest in reading, personal growth, and learning
– Expanding on materials, providing staff training, and maintaining
social media sites
• Foster culture and creativity
– Creating a digital achieve and advisory boards
– Providing materials to immigrant populations
• Staying connected and competitive in the digital world
– Offer training and hands on experience with technology
– Provide formal computer training and services
• Help families and youth build a strong future
– Connecting with K-12 schools and bringing in various speakers
– Incorporating digital technology into traditional services
 Employee Skills
To keep up with these trends and issues,
employees can be expected to have:
• Strong technological skills
• Excellent customer service skills
• A willingness to learn and adapt to new
situations
Returning to the Overall Focus
How well positioned is the Fairfield Lane Library
to thrive in an ever changing information
environment?

and

Should they be initiated into the Mayor’s

Outstanding Institutions?