What do you do if your Library Services have information gaps that need addressing?

Regarding the information gaps in your library services. I understand how important it is to address these gaps to ensure that your library offers quality services to its users. I would suggest that you gather more information on the gaps in your library services. This will help you identify the root cause of the gaps and come up with an effective solution to address them. Secondly, I would advise you to conduct a review of your current resources. This can help you identify any gaps and provide insights into what resources may be needed to fill them.

In my current position as a Media Specialist/Librarian serving an Elementary School, I look for gaps in the books and websites I include for teaching that can be included in my assessment of the offerings we have to out students. I can then review current books and websites to ensure they meet the criteria for closing those gaps. One example is finding books for reluctant male readers by having them complete interest surveys or even post a request on a 'parking lot' displayed in the Media Center. As it pertains to non-fiction, I often rely upon ALA recommendations for age, which is then converted to grade level. Suggestions and notable publications help tremendously.

Since public school budgeting for the library is limited, I make sure to utilize those funds in the best manner possible. We do have occasional donations which are wonderful because the donations can be of various genres, titles and authors. Recently we had a significant donation from our CDF Afterschool program that allowed us to create a specific area to highlight African American authors. Online databases are pretty much provided by the State Library System and we utilize those in order to save funds. E-books are great resources when they are offered as perpetual and not for limited time periods. But in regards to working in a public elementary school, it is best to have the books in print to get the students reading.

Be aware of other agencies and businesses in the community that may be able to provide resources that your library does not have. And this does not just mean other types of libraries or even bookstores. It can be hospitals and community health centers, as well as museums and chambers of commerce. All these resources can be promoted by the library- and vice-versa.

A collection acquired but largely unknown has limited value. Training staff about the existence of resources is important. If information gaps persist, a well-trained staff may help you find solutions. Are there resources available on trusted digital repositories at other institutions? Is interlibrary loan a solution? Should collection development initiatives be re-evaluated? Staff familiar with our collections and their limitations are better able to assist our patrons as they seek information. For example, a reference librarian who points to the Dewey 970s for a student needing help with a history book report has not sufficiently helped the patron. The information may be there, but not be discovered, if staff lack training or initiative.

When new resources are acquired it is critical to draw attention to them. By coordinating book displays and having posters and directional signs identifying the new books can significantly assist with drawing attention to them and in turn get them circulating. Having a specific arear that is labeled and colorful with signage to draw attention as students and others enter the library is critical for displaying new acquisitions. We also get to have the best advertisement tool available which is by work of mouth during recess.

Interlibrary loans and contractual agreements between institutions allow them to share resources available at other libraries. I previously worked at an academic library that had articulation agreements with smaller post-secondary campuses and International Baccalaureate programs that benefited greatly. In most cases, the agreements were much more beneficial to the other institutions than to our patrons. When developing articulation agreements to share resources and bridge information gaps, be sure that you take into account the benefits your patron base will gain from the agreement. If most of the benefits go to the other institution, are there other privileges or benefits that can be offered by them to make sure it's mutually valuable?