By By Cathy J. McKinley
Alabama citizens are being asked about how they use public libraries during a December online statewide survey. Their responses will help shape the future of the state's public libraries, said Alabama Public Library Service Director Rebecca Mitchell.
The library survey begins December 8 and can be taken at any computer with Internet access. Citizens can submit the survey from their home, office or local public library. The online survey will be available through January 5. To access the survey online, go to www.apls.state.al.us/survey and follow the directions.
Mitchell urged citizens to take the survey. "We need input from the public to evaluate current services and to ensure libraries remain a vital part of the community in the future," she said. She also emphasized that, while the survey seeks important information, it can be filled out quickly and conveniently. APLS will use the information to develop a five-year plan for the state's public libraries for 2008-2012.
Those who are unable to access the survey online can obtain a printed copy from their library and mail it to the School of Library and Information Studies, University of Alabama, Box 870252, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487-0252, ATTN: STATE PLAN.
Another survey was conducted in October in which citizens were asked to tell the Alabama Public Library Service about the goals and priorities they would like to see for their libraries. The current survey asks citizens to focus on how they use specific services offered by public libraries.
The current 2002-2007 plan identifies priorities for the state's public libraries, including reading programs for children and young adults, services for the underserved and for people with special needs.
For more information, contact the Atmore Public Library at 368-5234.