This month, I'd like to share a few observations I've made while serving in the role of interim director of the Pasadena Public Library. For someone who has spent a fair amount of time in libraries over the years, it has come as quite an education to me to experience close-up just what is required to keep a modern library functioning smoothly.

When I say it's not as easy as it looks, I mean it. As patrons come through the door, they enter a place of quiet reflection, study and enjoyment. Library staff members are at their various work stations, and everything seems to be humming along. But there is quite a bit more to the story than that behind the scenes. In fact, a well-run library is much like the human body in many respects. Permit me poetic license to illustrate my point; I'll try not to be too florid.

The books, electronic media, periodicals, databases, reference works and other materials are the blood of the system, carrying the oxygen of information to the body of patrons who use them. Whether in digital format or traditional paper, these materials are circulated throughout the user body, sustaining and nourishing it. Just as we require food each day, the library must constantly evaluate and assimilate new materials to keep the patron body happy and healthy. Our Collections Services department surveys the smorgasbord of information that abounds today and, based on our budget--sometimes ample, sometimes not--chooses the optimal blend available for patrons. Waste is eliminated as our collection is weeded, removing materials that are no longer desired by patrons as evidenced by our circulation data.

A number of library services could be likened to our hands and feet, taking us where we want to go with our questions. The Business Center is like that: a place of no-nonsense effort, where students (whether formal or informal) come to get serious work done. And we're putting our best foot forward as we project a sparkling personality to the world with our new library website...we're looking good!  

We've got the library analog of carefree play in our Youth Services department, encouraging a love of learning and exploration thorough guided recreational approaches to kids and teens. That gives way to the responsibilities of growing up as our Adult Services team provides the bulk of information most folks associate with traditional library offerings. Our Reference Desk is the place where dependable information and book suggestions are offered by our friendly, knowledgeable Reference staff; while our outreach to seniors reflects the recognition that learning is a joy that may be experienced at any age.

I could go on with these parallels. Our Administrative and Account Services staff members regulate our performance through careful monitoring of our fiscal and facility health, and you could even make a case that our Fairmont Branch is the natural correspondent to an extended family. But I'm going to end these comparisons before I mention some of the hardest working folks in the library; our front desk staff. There's just no way to make a comparison to our bodies without the less-than-cheerful mention of that place where we all have to go to "check out." 

Wayne D. Holt
Interim Director, Pasadena Public Library