Project #2

Proposal for a Reference Library

I would like to build a reference library for students in my local neighborhood. The area is Long Beach and the zip code is 90815. This is a small section of Long Beach that is 7.3 square miles. The population of this area is 38,892. This is roughly 5300 people per square mile, which is average for an area. (www.city-data.com). There are 18 elementary and middle schools, 1 high school and 1 university located within the borders of this area. There are only 2 public libraries.

The U.S. Census Bureau statistics (www.factfinder.census.gov.) for the area of 90815, show that the median age is 36.8. 80.5% of residents are 18 years or older, 15.7% are 65 and older. Children percentages are: in order of age: under age 5: 5.7%, age 5-9: 5.7%, age 10-14: 5.7% and age 15-19: 8.8%. The area is made up of predominantly English speaking (80.5%) Caucasian (75.5%), educated, families (62.8%) with an average house size of 2.4, average income (38% making $50,000-$99,999), who work in the Educational, Health and social services industry (27.4%) .Most are home owners (68.3%) and education is of importance to this community. 30.78% of residents attend school. 92.1% of all residents are high school graduates or higher and 39.5% have a bachelor’s degree or higher. The demographics break down into: more women (52.9%) than men (47.1 % ), households with children under age 18 are 28.6%.. The employment rate is 62.7%. Unemployment is 4%, with 33.2% listed as “not in the labor force”. Residents are employed in the civilian labor force, the main occupation is management, professional and related (48.0%) and the second being sales and office occupation (28.4%). 78.6% of people live and work in the same county (Los Angeles).

Due to the small size of the area and the number of schools located closely to each other, most students are able to walk to school. The two libraries are located at each end of the area of 90815. They are easily accessible to residents, but a far walk between the distances of the two libraries. The Los Altos library is centrally located in a small neighborhood by both an elementary and a middle school. It is a smaller size and tailored to the surrounding neighborhood. Its main patrons consist of children and older adults, 65+. They offer after school programs, homework assistance for grades K-8 and story time for younger children. The size of this library limits their collection and the reference section is very small. Their website is http://www.lbpl.org/location/los_altos/default.asp

The other library, the El Dorado Library is located alongside El Dorado Park. It is a  larger size and is more visible to residents as it is on a main street. It is a larger library, offering similar services including reading clubs, after school homework assistance, story time and computer classes with online help. Their reference section is larger than the other library, but still limited in its selection. The patrons are mainly senior citizens and children. Their website is http://www.lbpl.org/location/el_dorado/default.asp. Customer feedback on the two libraries is that with the size of both libraries, patrons often have to get books from the main Long Beach library or have them sent from other branches. Students needing use of references tend to use the Cerritos library which is 11.5  miles from the two libraries mentioned, or the main branch in Long Beach which is 6.1 miles away. My goal is to have a library centered between the locations of the two that is a larger size that can accommodate a large reference section, helping patrons and keeping them in our neighborhood system of libraries.

            The library I propose will be larger in size, with an emphasis on reference. There will be a large reference section near a reference librarian for assistance. It would be broken down into two sections, adult and children’s reference. The bulk of the materials would be similar to those in an academic library, LCSH volumes, Atlases, Almanacs, Encyclopedias: both standard and subject and more specific based references. The goal being to have something anyone could use to find his or her information. I would like to offer classes to teach patrons how to access online reference tools as well. A large seating area would accommodate students and patrons accessing the reference materials. Allowing them room to read the materials, as they would need to stay in the library for everyone to use. A knowledgeable friendly staff would encourage patrons to ask for help. Flyers and signs would let patrons know of the help available to them in regards to accessing reference help, classes, tutoring, workshops, etc. I would also like to have a large selection of current reading materials for patrons not interested in reference, allowing them to find what they are looking for in one library. I would have a large section of computers available with the Long Beach Public library system’s Encore. Search engines accessing library-approved sites would be available. Our library website would include “ask the librarian” providing a librarian on call via email to answer patrons questions. Our site would list all of the reference features we have at the library including all of the help available to them.

            The difference our library would make would be beneficial to our local community. Our small libraries need to be able to accommodate the amount of children and their reference needs.  Students need access to more readily available reference materials. They also need guidance in how to search online references of value and legitimate information. Having a library that offers courses and help in teaching how to access references online and in the library would benefit students of all ages. Starting programs for younger children could teach them great habits that will continue on through their studies up throughout high school and college.

Sources Cited:

90815 statistics and demographics: http://www.movoto.com/neighborhood/ca/long-beach/90815.htm, http://www.city-data.com/zipmaps/Long-Beach-California.html, http://www.census.gov/, www.factfinder.census.gov.

Library and school location information: http://www.mapquest.com/

Los Altos Library website: http://www.lbpl.org/location/los_altos/default.asp

El Dorado Library Website: http://www.lbpl.org/location/el_dorado/default.asp.

Customer reviews: http://www.yelp.com/biz/los-altos-neighborhood-library-long-beach#hrid:MukXQpe8awOmmHEhyody4w, http://www.yelp.com/biz/el-dorado-neighborhood-library-long-beach.