Comments on: Miami’s Public Library Cuts Detrimental to Students http://www.slj.com/2013/08/future-of-libraries/miamis-public-library-cuts-detrimental-to-students/ The world's largest reviewer of books, multimedia, and technology for children and teens Wed, 18 Sep 2013 21:37:24 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.4.2 By: Elyse Levy Kennedy http://www.slj.com/2013/08/future-of-libraries/miamis-public-library-cuts-detrimental-to-students/#comment-71769 Elyse Levy Kennedy Tue, 06 Aug 2013 22:38:51 +0000 http://www.slj.com/?p=55100#comment-71769 Public libraries in Miami-Dade County are one of the best bargains the government has to offer. They cost relatively little to operate, are heavily used, and are efficiently managed. The aggregated public gets a huge return on its investment. Like schools, roads, fire services or lifeguards they exist for the greater good of all. Shortsighted politicians shoot themselves in the foot when they fail to realize that libraries make THEM look good. Let's turn this disaster around before it is too late. Public libraries in Miami-Dade County are one of the best bargains the government has to offer. They cost relatively little to operate, are heavily used, and are efficiently managed. The aggregated public gets a huge return on its investment. Like schools, roads, fire services or lifeguards they exist for the greater good of all. Shortsighted politicians shoot themselves in the foot when they fail to realize that libraries make THEM look good. Let’s turn this disaster around before it is too late.

]]> By: LNLibro http://www.slj.com/2013/08/future-of-libraries/miamis-public-library-cuts-detrimental-to-students/#comment-70298 LNLibro Sun, 04 Aug 2013 00:48:23 +0000 http://www.slj.com/?p=55100#comment-70298 All memos explaining the future of Miami-Dade Public Library issued by the Mayor's Office do not use the word librarian. 251 library staff are on the chopping block. The initial Miami Herald article which was retracted described a plan to close 44 of 49 libraries. One day later the number was publicized as 22. Fast forward a week, and the working parents' argument that kids need a free afterschool safe space wins six more buildings a reprieve. Embracing a "change for change sake attitude" they are renamed "homework / technology centers." This should make for edgy PR although the equipment and software are the same as before. All hired help will be part-time. To add suspense to the drama, the latest Mayor's memo promises no less than 35 of the 49 buildings to remain. These survivors of this fiscal mayhem shall offer a "footprint" reminder of lost services, collections and professional librarians. For more information on how the grass roots battle is being fought for the 2.5 million residence of Miami-Dade go to https://www.facebook.com/SaveTheMiamiDadePublicLibraries All memos explaining the future of Miami-Dade Public Library issued by the Mayor’s Office do not use the word librarian. 251 library staff are on the chopping block.

The initial Miami Herald article which was retracted described a plan to close 44 of 49 libraries. One day later the number was publicized as 22. Fast forward a week, and the working parents’ argument that kids need a free afterschool safe space wins six more buildings a reprieve. Embracing a “change for change sake attitude” they are renamed “homework / technology centers.” This should make for edgy PR although the equipment and software are the same as before. All hired help will be part-time.

To add suspense to the drama, the latest Mayor’s memo promises no less than 35 of the 49 buildings to remain. These survivors of this fiscal mayhem shall offer a “footprint” reminder of lost services, collections and professional librarians.

For more information on how the grass roots battle is being fought for the 2.5 million residence of Miami-Dade go to https://www.facebook.com/SaveTheMiamiDadePublicLibraries

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