Users and non-users of the Rogers Public Library have an opportunity to help decide the library’s future.
Library officials and an independent consultant put together a survey the results of which will help decide what services to offer.
“We are always interested in what our patrons think and need in the way of services,” said Judy Casey, library director. “This time we hope to widen the range of people who answer the survey. We want to see what needs we should meet in the community, not just the library.”
Web Watch
Rogers Public Library
The English version of the library survey is at: www.surveymonkey.com/s/RogersLibrary
The Spanish version is at www.surveymonkey.com/s/BibliotecaRogers
The library website is www.rogerspubliclibrary.org
The survey, in English and Spanish, is available on the library’s website.
Respondents will get one of two sets of questions depending on how they answer the question: Are you a library user?
“If you are a library user you get a different set of questions,” said Nicole Stroud, the library consultant who designed the survey.
Library services have changed dramatically in the past few years, Stroud said.
“The digital age is an information revolution. Information comes in a variety of forms, from the printed page to the computer, cellphones and smart pads. The survey is designed to give Rogers officials data on what people want and expect from the modern library,” Stroud said.
The survey is just the beginning of the process for library officials. The results will be discussed with community leaders, library officials and board members, Stroud said.
“This is just one piece of the puzzle. At the end of the process, library officials should be able to develop a strategic plan that will help officials know where they should spend their money,” Stroud added.
Previous surveys and strategic plans have been helpful, said Casey.
“The last strategic plan three years ago led to the library investing in more computers, and expanding our digital book section,” Casey said.
“This time I expect we will learn there are other areas our patrons and the community would like to see developed at the library,” Casey said. “We want to be good stewards of taxpayer and foundation money.”
Paper versions of the survey will be available at the Adult Wellness Center, the Rogers Activity Center and in the library.
Few people know about the survey, Casey said.
“That’s what we are working on now, making people aware of the survey,” she said.
Megan O’Dowd, who was studying at the library Thursday afternoon, said she had some thoughts on what the library could do differently.
“I bring some kids here, and I think the puppets in the Children’s Library need to be replaced. The ones they have seem old and dirty to me,” O’Dowd said.
Yesenio Osornic, another library patron, said the library could use more computers.
“I think they also need to update the DVD collection to include newer movies and expand the Children’s Library,” Osornic said.