At 09:52 AM 2/15/02 -0600, Russell W. Peterson wrote: >Frankly, it looks like the library didn't want to give on >any of it's program AND wants the presentation of the >building as a city statement as many others had wanted. So >they are asking for more from the people without >demonstrating flexibility within their own needs.
There is one small thing you've overlooked, Russell. When library staff comes out saying they want something done in a certain way, they are not arguing for their own privilege and certainly not for "their own needs". I will guarantee you that the (e.g.) librarians in the Children's Department want an environment that will benefit the children who use that part of the library. THey want a certain location for the children's benefit. They want a certain amount of space for library programs that benefit the children who use that department. The same is true of every other staff member who *wanted* some particular feature, location, space allocation, and so on. The point of library service is that it is *service* and in the case of the public library, it is service to the community (which, should you happen to drive into Minneapolis from Saint Michael, can include YOU) This was not a bunch of administrators arguing for wool carpeted and walnut paneled offices in the sky. This was librarians fighting for enough space to help them deliver service to the community. Remember my statement that I wanted a space for children that I don't have to worry about them meeting some pervert hiding behind a large pillar? The staff in the children's department of the library has the same feelings about giving their clients a safe, enjoyable library trip. You don't have to trust me on that: go ask them. To suggest anything else on the part of the library staff is an indication you've never worked with librarians very much. >the kind of bureaucracy that scares people - hold on to your >pocket books. ;-) I really don't think so. I really DO think it's a matter of people trying hard to provide high quality service to the community. (no winky from me: I'm quite serious) Emilie Quast Ward 1 SE Como University of Minnesota Libraries employee AND long-term, heavy-use MPL client _______________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
