In
American Libraries Magazine, Anthony Molaro wrote a piece titled
The name foreshadows the interaction"
There, Molaro looks at how librarians and their staff view the people they serve and how that perception is reflected in what we call them.
There are several terms in use today:
- library patron
- library customer
- library user
- library member
Each one of these terms suggests a different type of relationship and it is up to librarians to thoughtfully consider how the terms reflect our target audiences and our goals to reach them. At the Loomis Library, we most often use the term
member
because it implies an active and interdependent relationship; one of mutual ownership and responsibility.
The words we use define both the relationship with those we serve and also the services we have tailored for them.
We strive to attain our goals of:
- Creating an environment where our members are co-equal with the library staff.
- Helping our members to feel invested in the library as a tool for personal and professional enrichment.
- Becoming a cultural center for exploring the world of possibilities both real and imagined.
- Establishing a space at the library and online where the community can see themselves reflected in the whole.
- Building a reputation for excellence whereby our members can feel proud to belong to the Loomis Library & Community Learning Center.
What does your library membership mean to you?
I'd love to hear your thoughts!
