MCLS Blog

Library visitation

November 9th, 2005 Randy Dykhuis

One of the things I enjoy the most about my job is going out to visit libraries.

When I was a kid, we used to have home visitation every couple of years by the elders and deacons of the church. It was a solemn occasion. I hope that the visits I make to libraries around Michigan don’t inspire the same mixture of dread, apprehension, and curiosity as those visits by the representatives from the church.

In the last couple of weeks, I’ve been out to Calvin College, Grand Valley State University, Aquinas College, Cornerstone University, and Grand Rapids Public Library. While common themes emerge and the questions I ask tend to be similar, every visit is unique and in some respects unpredictable. For example, who could have known that I’d find myself in a tiny, darkened ofice in the Aquinas College library, wedged between two of the liveliest librarians that I’ve met in a long time? It was dark because either Francine or Shellie didn’t want the “life-sucking fluorescent lights” turned on. Actually I think there was a good reason why we met and chatted with only a very low incandescent bulb burning, but I don’t remember what it was. In any case, I learned a lot about their library, the challenges they face, and the anticipation they have for their new library.

Or that I’d get to enjoy an improbably warm October day by walking through a new sculpture garden at Cornerstone University. All with Christian themes and all created by a local Grand Rapids artist, the sculptures were impressive and touching. I especially liked “The Fall.” Very imaginative. Quite moving. Gail’s depth of feeling for the institution was evident as she showed me around and as we talked about her library and the challenges they face.

That’s about the way it goes everywhere. In every case, I’m welcomed. I’m told what a great job MLC is doing, with special kudos to one or two specific MLC staff members. And we talk about how things are going for them, how they think MLC can serve them better, and what worries them.

That last question, what worries them, is one of my favorites. It helps me see where MLC might better serve their needs and how we can position ourselves for providing better service to them. For MLC to stay vital and to keep energized, we need to shift with the environment. When MLC was formed the environment was shifting to automate cataloging. When I started at MLC, the environment was shifting to make library consortia influential players in online purchases. Now the environment seems to be shifting again. But the signs are hard to read, and it’s hard to know exactly where we go next.

When that happens and I’m not exactly sure what’s next for MLC, I know it’s time to get out and start talking to our members. MLC exists for only one reason: to provide important and needed services to its members. And I know that when we listen, we can serve better. That’s why I make the visits.

But you aren’t required to wait for me to darken your doorway. I’d love to hear from you. All comments on our blog are read. Let me know what you worry about. Maybe MLC can help.

Entry Filed under: Director, Library Visits