Pottsboro Library Gets the Help It Needs From Ask Amigos
The Pottsboro Area Public Library was within a year or two of closing its doors, said staff member Dianne Connery, who also serves as president of the library’s operating board.
The library staff in the small Texas town north of Dallas – all volunteers until recently – had the passion for library work but lacked professional knowledge and experience. There was little room in the budget for training or consultants, so staff was constantly on the lookout for whatever free help and advice they could find.
Enter Ask Amigos, the Librarian’s Reference Desk.
The library was interested in adding an internet café to boost interest and usage, but didn’t really know how to go about it. Connery had heard about Ask Amigos from a Tocker webinar and decided to give it a try. She contacted Public Library Specialist Lynne Craddock, who serves as Amigos' chief contact for the service, who put Connery in touch with Amigos consultant Jeanette Larson.
Connery got the help she was seeking, and has used the service multiple times since for all types of issues. Asked if she’s become a regular user of Ask Amigos, she said, "Absolutely! Jeanette's number is on speed dial."
The library's internet café has been a hit with library users. Library traffic has increased. Connery readily attributes much of the resurgence to the help provided by Ask Amigos. "The information we’ve received from Ask Amigos has given us a higher level of guidance than what we would gather on our own from neighboring libraries or searching the internet. It has been key to our progress. Our usage and circulation numbers have exploded. We've won awards and the city has been impressed enough to commit additional funding and support. The service has such a personal feel that I enjoy sharing good news even when I don’t have a question. Lynne has been extremely helpful, and Jeanette feels like a friend."
Through Ask Amigos, the Librarian's Reference Desk, Amigos' knowledgeable and experienced staff provides advice and brief consultations on all aspects of library operations for all types of libraries. The service, offered free of charge to Amigos members, includes advice, referral, and resources delivered by phone and e-mail. No matter what your need, Ask Amigos can help.