Re: What the Public Library Could Learn from Barnes & Noble

[Carol Mackey - Mountain View <cmackey@EGREEN.EGREEN.WEDNET.EDU>]

Doug,

If it isn't too late, could you please forward a copy of your article?
If so, please post to the following address as opposed to the one you
received this message on.

 Carol Mackey
Mountain View Nigh
cmackey@groupwise.egreen.wednet.edu

On Mon, 3 Jun 1996, Doug Johnson wrote:

> <fontfamily><param>Palatino</param>Hi folks,
>
>
> I had a short opinion piece published in the local paper which seems to
> be geting favorable comments. It is related to public libraries, rather
> than school libraries, but in a sense we are all in this together. If
> you'd like the full text (about 2 single spaced pages), e-mail me and I
> will send.
>
>
> Doug
>
>
> ************
>
>
> What the Public Library Could Learn from Barnes & Noble
>
> (Mankato Free Press, June 3, 1996)
>
>
> My 10 year old son gave me pause the other day. He asked to if I'd take
> him out after supper to see if the latest book in his favorite
> Goosebump series was out. Normal kid-type request.
>
>
> But then he added, "While we're at Barnes & Noble, I want to ...." I
> don't think it even entered his mind that the first place to check for
> a book would be his public library. In fact, it didn't occur to me
> either until we on our way home full of cookies and cappuccino, and
> twenty bucks or so lighter in the wallet.
>
>
> What has happened that this career librarian (and life-long library
> lover and supporter) would head to a bookstore instead of the public
> library to satisfy his family's reading needs?
>
>
> Maybe a comparison between Barnes & Noble and the local library would
> be useful?
>
>
> 1. Hours
>
> My son wanted to get his book on a Sunday. B&N is open in Mankato every
> evening in the week - Sunday's included - 95 hours a week. The public
> library is only open until 8PM four nights a week and on Sundays not at
> all. 38 hours less than B&N. Sort of convenient having a place to get a
> book beyond the workday.
>
>
> Continued...
>
>
>
> ***********</fontfamily>
>
>
>
> Doug Johnson, District Media Supervisor | The trouble with the rat
>
> I.S.D. 77, Mankato Public Schools       | race is that even if you
> win,
>
> Box 8713, Mankato MN 56002-8713         | you're still a rat.
>
> Voice: 507-387-7698                     |            -- Lily Tomlin
>
> Fax: 507-387-2496                       |
>
> E-mail: palsdaj@vax1.mankato.msus.edu   |
>
> or:     djohns1@west.isd77.k12.mn.us
>
> http://www.isd77.k12.mn.us/staffdir/staff2/Johnson_Doug.html