My retirement is fast approaching. I will turn over the responsibilities of library director to a wonderful, dedicated professional on October 1. But in the meantime, I’m focused on cleaning out files and reorganizing the legacy that I will leave to the next steward.
After more than 45 years, the “brain dump” has been challenging in scope. But the memories emerging have been pretty special. I realize how fortunate I’ve been to be part of an organization that assesses the needs of the community and responds to them. It’s also been interesting to see how many themes have endured. The concern for the impact of technology on the public library is one.
I joined the library in 1977 as the profession was exploring the value of computers and databases and leaving card catalogs behind. Since then, we’ve surfed the World Wide Web, learned to Google, embraced electronic resources, and now ponder the impact of AI. Our collections transformed from hardcover bindings only, to include paper, or softcovers publications. We can say we offer “no covers” now with e-book titles available. Audio and video titles have had even more format changes: tapes and films, to disks, to streaming. What has not changed is the care and consideration that our professional staff has put into selecting the best delivery methods for collections and services to provide us with information, entertainment, and education for whatever stage of life we are in.
It's been a pleasure to reflect on so many years of the Scarborough Public Library’s service to the community. And I can verify the good times with those polaroid pictures, 35mm slides and VHS tapes I found in the back room!
With reflection,
Nancy E. Crowell
Library Director
PSA: in case you need to play an old VHS tape, we’ve got you covered with a player to check out--as long as you have a monitor/TV with a coaxial cable jack!