Belmont's Ruth Faulkner Public Library - Schedule, Membership, Special Services Offered in the Library - Term Paper Example

Belmont’s Ruth Faulkner Public Library (Belmont Сity-Соmmunity Rероrt) Students Name: Learning institution: Abstract This paper outlines an Australian library in the town of Belmont. The library is a primary utility in the town as it offers researchers and academic practitioners a vast range of resources in their work. In the paper, the location of the library is outlined as well as the daily routine undertaken by the library users. The paper also explains the services offered in the library such as computer and internet services, printing services, wii gaming and the special teaching classes. The two classes include the Yourtutor program and lifelong learning program. There are several groups visiting the library, which include the kids, young adults and the adults. They attend different programs offered at the library (Charles & McClure, 2009). Keywords (Library, resources, schedules, membership) TABLE OF CONTENTS Abstract 2 Table of Charts 4 1.0 Introduction 5 1.1 .Definitions 5 1.2. Location outline 5 1.1 Library schedule 6 1.2 Library membership 6 2.0 Library services 7 2.1. Computer and internet services 7 2.2. Computer services 7 2.3. Wii gaming 8 2.2.3. Special services offered in the library 10 3.0 Groups that visit the library. 11 3.1. Programs and activities for children (0-11 years) 11 3.2. Program activities for young adults (12-18) 12 3.3. Programs and activities for adults. 12 4. Conclusion 14 References 15 Table of Charts Chart 1 Services Offered 9 Chart 2 Groups visiting the library 13 1.0 Introduction  This paper focuses on Ruth Faulkner Public Library, which is an Australian library in the town of Belmont. It has a range of utilities to the people living around within its vicinity. This ranges from its strategic location, to its services to the groups visiting the library. It is a resource in the society, which promotes education and research activities (Charles R. McClure, 2009) 1.1 .Definitions According to the free online dictionary, a library is defined as a place where artistic and literary objects, for example: books, newspapers, periodicals, pamphlets, tapes and records are kept for reading, lending or reference (Goulding, 2006). Analysis, on the other hand, can be defined as the systematic examination and evaluation of information by way of putting it into its constituents to show the real meanings and the relation ( Analysis, 2000).  1.2. Location outline The Belmont’s Ruth Faulkner Public Library is situated in a strategic location to favor its users. It is found in the eastern inner suburbs of Perth, the capital city of Western Australia. It is specifically 5 kilometers east of the capital city and is located on the south bank of river Swan in the heart of the city of Belmont. This makes it an important resource to the people within the city and its suburbs. (Philip & Leighton, 1999). 1.1 Library schedule The library opens on a weekly routine schedule. From Monday to Thursday, the library opens at nine in the morning and closes at eight thirty in the evening. On Friday, it opens at nine in the morning but closes earlier , that is, at five o’clock in the evening. It still opens at the same time on Saturdays but is closed at noon. The library remains closed on Sundays and public holiday. The library has a schedule, which also fits its users (McAdoo, 2012). It opens and closes within a good range of time to allow its users to access the resources. The schedule also favors the library workers by giving them ample time to serve the user, and, on the other hand, enough time to rest. This ensures quality services in the library(Tucker, 2007). 1.2 Library membership Membership in the library is free. Membership is activated by the presentation of several legal documents, which bears an official photo, and details of the individual registering. In addition to the document, one also needs detailed information outlined the date of birth, contacts and the location address in order to register. Registration in the library is an important thing as it allows one access the numerous services offered to exclusive members. It is also cheaper to operate in the library as a registered member (Singh, 2005). 2.0 Library services The library offers academic and research tools to its users. Users are also encouraged to register as members to allow them access the full services they offer. There are various services offered , which includes computer and internet services, gaming, lending of books and home delivery services not forgetting the disability services and facilities(RUTH, 2000). 2.1. Computer and internet services Concerning the computer and internet services, the library has enough computers for its members. Each member is entitled to use the computer for not more than two hours a day. Members can use the computers for academic and research purposes only. The library also has a wifi network, which allows its members to access the internet using their personal computers and mobile phones in a faster and cheaper way. Nonmembers or members who have forgotten their cards at home and want to access this service can pay a small fee of 4$ per hour to get the wifi pass. Finally, the library also offers basic computer classes to its members (Ruth Faulkner Public Library, 2012). 2.2. Computer services The library also offers photocopying services. The charges are: Colour A4 size = $2.50 A3 size = $4.00 Black & White A4 size = 20c A3 size = 40c In addition, lamination services are also provided. Like the photocopier, it can laminate up to A3 papers. The charges are: A3 size = $3.00 A4 size = $1.50 Business Card or A5 = $1.00 However, there is a precaution for lamination. Members are advised to laminate personal documents at their own risk, and this move is irreversible. (Ruth Faulkner Public Library, 2012). 2.3. Wii gaming Wii gaming is also provided for in the library. Only a maximum of two people at a time can play for a one-hour session. Gaming is not available for kids of 5 years and below. Kids aged 12 and under may play but only under the watch of a parent or guardian. The person booking the gaming session must be a library member. (Ruth Faulkner Public Library, 2012). The library also offers regular programs running from February to December. They include: Baby Rhyme Time (babies up to 12 months) Tiny Tots Time (12 months to 3 years) Rock n Rhyme Story Time (3 to 6 years) Triple8 Kid's Club (7 to 11 years) Hop-To-It Club (Beginner readers to confident readers) Story Time for Dads, Blokes and Their Kids Stories After School - S.A.S. (4 to 7 years) M12+ Movie Club (12 to 18 years) Belmont Interest Group - B.I.G. Belmont Book Club Retro Games League of Extraordinary Knitters Learning English programs (analysis, 2013) The library offers the following services and features for people with disabilities: Large print books and audio Cd books for loans. Hearing loop device at the service desk. Accessibility to the public toilet facility. Signposted accessible parking bays near the library entrance. Internet enabled computer with large keyboard and screen magnifying option. In addition, the library also offers home delivery services to members who are unable to visit the library in person. This service is of disabled, ill, permanently or temporarily homebound and cannot access the library. The workers make regular visits to homes, hospital and nursing homes offering deliveries. (Tucker, 2007) Chart 1 Services Offered 2.2.3. Special services offered in the library There are some services offered in the library exclusively to members only. These services include: the Yourtutor program and the lifelong learning program. The library also offers a database full of resources to its members only. Membership is identifiable by the possession of a library account, which allows one to access the above named program. (Ruth Faulkner Public Library, 2012). The Yourtutor program is a teaching routine, which helps young student meet qualified tutors to help them with their homework, assignments and examination preparations. Only offered to registered members on a daily routine on weekdays. Lifelong program,, on the other hand, helps mature students in their research and introduction into the job market. It helps them write perfect resumes and cover letters not forgetting the training of proper presentation skills. (Ruth Faulkner Public Library, 2012). The other program is the E- learning which allows users access a wide range of resources by the use of their PC and other electronic media. This promotes the art of research, as well as, the academic activities in the society. (analysis, 2013). 3.0 Groups that visit the library. The library resources are divided to fit all age groups, from children aged as low as 2 yrs to adults all are catered for. 3.1. Programs and activities for children (0-11 years) The activities for this age bracket are very many, and they include: Baby book worms workshop- This is a workshop program for babies aged up to 12 years. It is a requirement for the parents to be living within Belmont city. Baby rhyme time- Held on every Monday from 11 am to 11.30 am. It is an interactive story time for babies aged 6-8 months. During this short time, parents enjoy 20 minutes of songs and stories with their babies and tea with friends. (MARLA W. MCGHEE, 2010) Learning English Through Story Time (LETS) - The main aim of this program is to acquire and sharpen English language skills through interaction between parents and kids. Tiny Tots time- Held on everyday Thursday and Friday from 10.30 am to 11 am. This is aged 18 months to 4+ years. No bookings are required for this phase. Triple8 kids’ club- Held monthly on Wednesdays from 4.30 pm to 5.30 pm. For school children, aged 7 to 11 years and no bookings are required. Hop-to-It Saturday club- This forum is a perfect opportunity for both parents and children to share stories, reward prizes and awards for achievements accomplished during story telling events and other games. No bookings required for this session. Saturday stories with dad- Held monthly on Saturdays from 11 am to 11.30 am. Each dad chooses four stories to read to their kid and enjoy ‘action man rhymes and stories. In addition, no bookings required. Stories after school (S.A.S) - Held monthly on Saturdays 4 pm to 4.45 pm. A forum for kids aged 4-7 to enjoy games, songs and stories after school. 3.2. Program activities for young adults (12-18) M+12 movie club- Held monthly every Wednesday. Members review books, which have been made into movies. Homework club- Meeting held on every Thursday during open school days from 4-6 pm. The advantage of this forum is that tutors adult tutors will be present to assist with homework problems. Library staff will also be present to assist students to use your tutor an online tutoring program available to library users. (Mary & Chelton, 2000) 3.3. Programs and activities for adults. Belmont Interest Group (B.I.G) - Held monthly on Mondays 2 to 3 pm. In this program, there are guest speakers, presenters and people discuss the current issues, and for those without transport it is provided to and from the library. Belmont book club- Meetings are held monthly on Wednesdays, 2 pm to 3 pm. The book club features poetry, guest speakers, short discussions and fun quizzes. Moreover, every session is followed by a cup of tea. Conversation class- Held every Thursday 3 pm to 4 pm. It majors in improving English-speaking skills. No bookings are required. The league of extraordinary knitters- Held after every fortnight on Tuesdays from 10.30 am to 12 noon. These members are just knitters who come together to explore various designs and at the same time enjoy a cup of tea or coffee. Retro Games – Held monthly on Wednesdays from 10 am to 11.30 am. For 18+ year olds who would not mind enjoying traditional games like monopoly and scrabble this is the perfect forum. Chart 2 Groups visiting the library 4. Conclusion The library is an important amenity in the society that allows the citizens utilize its resources for academic and research activities. It is located in a strategic position to ensure easy access by its users. It has resource suiting all age groups and offer ample time to access it. References Analysis. (n.d.). Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged. Ed: 10. Retrieved September 10, 2013, from Dictionary.com Charles, R. & McClure, P. (2009). Public Libraries and Internet Service Roles: Measuring and Maximizing Internet Services. Florida: American Library Association. Goulding, A. (2006). Public Libraries in the 21st Century: Defining Services and Debating the Future. England: Ashgate Publishing Company. Mary K. & Chelton. (2000). Excellence in Library Services to Young Adults: The Nation's Top Programs. Illnois: American Library Association. McAdoo, M. (2012). Fundamentals of Library Instruction. Pennsylvania: American Library Association. Philip D. & Leighton, D. (1999). Planning Academic and Research Library Buildings. Virginia: American Library Association. RUTH. (2000). City of belmont. Retrieved 10 09, 2013, from Ruth Faulkner Public Library: Singh, K. (2005). Library Management. Vol: 2. chicago: Atlantic Publishers & Dist. Read More