Public Service Section, Annual Report, 2005

It is the purpose of the Public Services Section to promote and improve library services that direct contact between the library staff and the library user. The Section strives to support high standards of service with response to the needs of users in all library settings. This section also encourages the active exchange of ideas of its membership and strives to provide pertinent programs in providing public services in our libraries.

The Public Service officer positions for 2005 were Geri Gaskill (Horry County Memorial Library) as chair, Sarah Rothstein (Coker College) as vice chair and Jennifer Little (USC Aiken) as secretary. The Public Services Section co-sponsored with the Public Libraries Section a conference program entitled, “Black Belt Librarians: Real World Security Tactics for Your Library”. The presenter was Warren Graham, Security/Safety Coordinator for the Public Library of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County for the over fifteen years. He gave participants realistic methods and workable, real-life solutions to a variety of library strategies. Thirty seven participants attended the program. Evaluations were received from eleven participants with ten of the participants rating the speaker and program at the highest level in all areas.

Public Services Section also co-sponsored and excellent conference program entitled “Taking Bibliographic Instruction to Our Users” with Sarah Rothstein (Coker College)
and Joshua Garris (USC).

Turnout for the annual business meeting following the program was small with ten attending. There was a call for interested officers by the new chair, Sarah Rothstein.

Respectfully submitted,

Geri Gaskill