driven by digital information,” states the analysis. “For example, use of electronic database more than doubled and Internet visits to library websites and catalogues grew five-fold in the period.” As if to drive the wedge even deeper between physical and digital resources, the study reports that “a smaller percentage (of expenses) is being spent on books and periodicals, while strong increases have been seen over the past decade in spending on electronic and audiovisual material.” Three libraries in SD&G set to close The Library Board of SD&G recently passed amotion that would effectively close three of their branches, Dalkeith, St. Andrews West, and Morewood, by September 3, a move that has sent shock waves through the community. Asbothsides erect their barricades,willing to defend their cause using everything at their disposal, there seems to be no definitive answer as to who is right and who is wrong. Bill McGimpsey, deputy mayor of North Stormont and chair of the Library Board of SD&G, reasoned the closing of the three branches by explaining that it would bolster the traffic of neighbouring libraries. “Some of them are eight minutes apart,” he said during a phone interview. “At the end of the day, it’s not just about profitability. It’s also about providing a service.” In the other corner of the abstract boxing ring is Cal Martin, founder of the Save Our SDG Library Branches Facebook page, as well as other patrons of the affected libraries. “Through this whole process, our communities feel betrayed,” he said. “People are fed up and they are making their voices known.” The Library Board of SD&G supervises a total of 18 branches throughout the region. The three libraries that are stated to be shut down all possess the lowest traffic amongst their counterparts. According toMcGimpsey, Dalkeith’s library sees an average of 45 to 60 patrons a month, similar numbers to St. Andrews West’s location. In contrast, Alexandria’s branch welcomes an average 200 to 300 visitors on a monthly basis. The three libraries slated to close in upcoming days offer the same digital material as their bigger urban neighbours. Three library branches with low numbers Statistics contained in the SD&G County Library Facility Model Report paint an upsetting picture of the Dalkeith, Morewood and St. Andrews West libraries. Classified as neighbourhood branches by the report, they offer smaller, popular or locally-relevant collections, and fewer public computing stations. In addition, their weekly hours of operation range from 8 to 30. All of the Counties’ libraries follow the Guidelines for Rural/Urban Public Library Systems (ARUPLO guidelines); the latter
River and Hamish Doherty, from St. Andrews, proudly pose with their sign during a protest on August 22, that saw over 30 residents from all over SD&G denounce the closing of three libraries. — photo Francis Racine
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The Journal Cornwall
5
Wednesday, August 31, 2016
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