Show Libraries Some Love on Valentine's Day!

Please join us for Georgia Library Day 2012 on February 14 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., in Room 216 of the state capitol building. There will be refreshments, information sheets, stickers, and opportunities to talk to lawmakers about the immense value libraries bring to American society and democracy.

RSVP to ebagley@agnesscott.edu by February 10, and see the flyer for more details!

Georgia Tech in the GLA Spotlight!

[Note: This is an archived post. This spotlight has been removed from the GLA homepage to make way for the latest spotlight.]

This month we are featuring the Georgia Tech Library in the GLA Spotlight.

Please visit the GLA homepage (http://gla.georgialibraries.org/) to learn more about the vibrant Georgia Tech Library complex which includes four buildings; the Price Gilbert Memorial Library, Crosland Tower, the Architecture Library, and most recently, the G. Wayne Clough Undergraduate Learning Commons.

Also, we still have four spotlight slots available in 2012. If you would like to see your library featured on the GLA homepage, just email tessa.minchew@gpc.edu to request a slot. Include your name, contact information, and the name of your library, library system, or special collection.

Sharon Forks Library in the Georgia Library Association Spotlight

Sharon Forks Library, a branch of the Forsyth County Library System, turns eleven years old this year. Opened in November 2000, Sharon Forks was designed in the Arts and Crafts style, featuring mullioned-window interior walls, overhead mosaic panels, and furniture reminiscent of Stickley handicraft. Patrons find the vivid jewel-tone colors warm and welcoming.

The 23,000 square-foot branch was designed for a capacity of 100,000 users each year and a collection of 96,000 items. At that time, this was more than sufficient for the demand. In the past ten years, both Sharon Forks users and the collection have grown to 180,000 users annually and a collection size of 107,424 items. The greatest increase has been in circulation. Sharon Forks checked out 248,138 items in fiscal year 2001 compared to 857,668 in FY2011, a 246% increase!

To address this growth, Forsyth County Public Library is planning an expansion and renovation project for the Sharon Forks Library building. Voters approved the extension of a county SPLOST on November 8, 2011. The library’s portion will be $2.8 million when revenues are collected. The following changes are proposed:

• Up to 5,000 square feet additional public space
• An increase in parking from 150 spaces to 170 spaces
• Expanded adult and children’s collections
• A single-point-of-service public help desk
• Additional soft seating and study tables

Although the interior window-walls add to the charm of the design, they reduce flexibility in growing and shifting collections. Some of the walls will be removed. Staff workrooms and offices occupying the core of the building will be relocated to allow for a merging of the Circulation and Information departments into a central service desk.

Like so many other systems, FCPL has implemented self-check systems to supplement staffing dollars. Sharon Forks currently has three self-check units and more will be purchased with the renovation. An automated materials handling system is slated for installation to reduce check-in duties for staff.

Even though there will be many changes in the construction project, the nostalgic Arts and Crafts design and inviting color scheme will continue to welcome visitors. A patron commented recently: "Have I told you all how wonderful this library and staff are? I just love this place." We certainly don’t want to change that response!

For more information on the Sharon Forks Library, please visit http://www.forsythpl.org/

Want Your Turn in the GLA Spotlight?

Enjoying the library spotlight feature on the GLA website and wondering how you can get your library in on the action? Now is your chance because we're looking for new libraries to feature!

Please just email tessa.minchew@gpc.edu and include your name, contact information, and the name of your library, library system, or special collection. We'll answer any questions you have and offer you a proposed date for your moment in the GLA Spotlight.

AFPL in the Georgia Library Association Spotlight

[Note: This is an archived post. This spotlight has been removed from the GLA homepage to make way for the latest spotlight.]

This month we are featuring Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System in the GLA spotlight!

Please visit the GLA homepage to learn more about the largest library system in the state.

Lavonia-Carnegie Library in the Georgia Library Spotlight

[Note: This is an archived post. This spotlight has been removed from the GLA homepage to make way for the latest spotlight.]

Please check out our website for the new Georgia Library Spotlight! This month the featured library is the Lavonia-Carnegie Library in Lavonia, Georgia.

GLQ Fall 2011 Is Available

The Fall 2011 issue of GLQ has been published to the site at

http://digitalcommons.kennesaw.edu/glq/

Remember, the most current issue is restricted to GLA members and institutional subscribers. After this issue, the journal will be open access and there will no longer be a need for restricting access.

If you have registered before on the site, all you will need is the username and password you created during that registration.

If you have not registered before, you will need to go to "My Account" to begin. During registration, you will need to fill in the same email address you provided GLA for your membership there. You will also need to create a username and password.

Please let us know of suggestions, corrections, and ideas for the journal, or if you have any difficulty reaching the issue.