Doug Johnson shares his and his son’s experience of why they were not using their public library for the reading needs, but going to Barnes and Nobles to buy their books.
He gives the following 6 points that the public library can learn from the big bookstores such as Barnes & Nobles and Borders and I’ve added my views on what NLB has achieved in relation to the points:
- Hours - We are opened daily for at least 11 hours (with the exception of public holidays).
- Selection - We have more or less met the standard though there are still occasionally lapses when we might have not ordered the latest editions of particular titles.
- Service - Personally, I think the service we provide is as good as, if it’s not better, than the big bookstores.
- Costs - This might be the only point we are lacking and it’s quite difficult to make up as we can only purchase THAT many copies of a particular bestseller and we have to also cater to the wide range of reading interests of the general public.
- Ambiance and location - Our library@orchard and library@esplanade branches have been modeled on the design of Borders. In addition, all of our branches in the public library network are accessible as they are conveniently located near MRT stations and/or bus interchanges.
- Programming - We have a strong programming team that sources for useful programmes for the public to come to the libraries to learn and share. And all the programme details can be obtained through a printed bimonthly brochure or online.
Well, NLB have definitely met, IMHO, 5 of the 6 points mentioned.
What do you think? Have we met your needs?
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