Like many other patrons of the East Columbia branch of the Howard County Public Library, I was so disappointed to hear that acting branch manager Herb Malveaux was passed up in favor of an outsider who comes from a retail background rather than from one of library sciences.

Mr. Malveaux is just what our library needs, a dedicated professional who has worked hard for 15 years to make inroads and build bridges into the surrounding community and local schools.

Apparently, the big new thrust is to shake things up, to make the library more like a Borders bookstore. Our library system is nationally recognized because of dedicated specialists like Mr. Malveaux, not because of spiffy retail window dressing and mocha lattés.

We do not need another Borders. We need a great library.

If I want something more like Borders, I'll go to Borders. Or, more likely, just stay home and surf over to Amazon.

David Hobby

Owen Brown

David Hobby was a photographer for this newspaper from 1988 to 1999.

user comments (5)

user lizhobby says...

I agree - is it a Library or a Computer Palace? Now that the Library has "updated" its computer catalog, using the computer search at Miller is almost incomprehensible, even to the librarians there. Change and proliferation of choices are not always good, when something that was easy for all becomes ridiculously complicated. Also at Miller, the help desk in the main book area has been replaced by a ridiculous lectern with a computer - are librarians supposed to stand? Are they not true librarians unless they are on computers - "searching" ? - of course there is never a librarian at the lectern in any case - they are always off somewhere, and I don't blame them. Who would want to stand all day! I suppose it is a "management thing" to make them look "alert" - "up to speed" -- "bringing the information age to the patrons" - "being RELEVANT". Gawd!! I suppose the budget has axed seated librarians. East Savage, mentioned by the above poster was one of my favorite branches - it actually seemed to celebrate The Book. I think the library will have to decide if it is really a place where people come to read or if they want to replace all the stacks so that the patrons can come to play computer games for free.

Posted 9:07 PM, 12.18.08 | Permalink

user says...

The library needs a different approach, not another experienced librarian bringing more of the same ideas. The branch manager may prove to be just what the doctor ordered. Where I am sure Mr. Malveaux is a wonderful librarian, he may not be management material. Part of the problem with government bureaucracies is they tend to promote people to their highest level of incompetence. This occurs due to the same mentality brought forth in the article. Time served is not, and should not be, a prerequisite for advancement in any organization, particularly in a management position. I applaud the gutsy decision to place an outsider in that position and hope others consider doing the same. A retail background, particularly bookstore retail, will undoubtedly bring some much-needed "out-of-the-box" thinking that our library system needs. A competitive work environment may inspire other employees to work harder and put out a better product to the end customer, the tax payer. My family visits different Howard County Libraries regularly and the product and service seems to vary widely among branches. Before you judge the decision, give it a chance. I say to the new branch manager, good luck in your new job. Hopefully, you will not let this type of outdated, closed-minded thinking affect your ability to shake things up a little at that branch. David Stepherson

Posted 10:09 PM, 12.18.08 | Permalink

user says...

I'm so glad that East Columbia branch public library is broadening it's focus on the needs of their clientale. Libraries are more than just a quiet place to read, it's a place to learn, research, and for many, libraries provide the only internet access available to many people in our community, both young and old. When I was a teenager, 30 years ago, I spent every afternoon in my local library doing my homework or reading, while waiting for my mother to get off work and pick me up. There are plenty of families today who use their libraries for the same reason. I don't visit libraries as much as I used to, I used to visit them weekly, but I can see where bringing 'a little bit of Borders' to libraries would make a difference to a lot of people. As the first writer noted, home internet access precludes many trips to the library, and yes, libraries do need to remain 'relevant,' simply because as information technology evolves and our community needs change then our institutions need to be flexible and responsive to these changes. I'd love to see 'out-of-the-box' thinking applied to the whole Maryland library system. For instance, I have an 80 year old mother who just got a laptop, she could really use help learning how to use this laptop to search for information (I'm not good at teaching althougth we've tried); kids need one-on-one help with learning how to research - not just on the internet - but how to do it in a library. My various school librarians played a role in all of my research papers that started as early as 4th grade and continued through college. I am a member of a private book club, I enjoy it so much, I'd love to see everyone given the opportunity to join a well-run book club. Each year our club hires a college professor who basically teaches their course/specialty over a series of 6-8 meetings that we hold in our homes. We read anywhere from 2-12 books and discuss a new book at every meeting. One of the great things about places like Borders are all of the authors and musicians who come in for readings and booksignings. Unfortunately, I never think of the library as a place to go for events, but shouldn't we? Shouldn't our local libraries serve as cultural hubs? Why not? Occasionally their might be an event, but nothing like what I see happening at bookstores. Today I stopped by Barnes and Noble, It was just full of people - like it normally is - who were sitting around reading books and magazines, most walk out without buying a thing, sort of like a library....no? Why are people flocking to these retail bookstores? Libraries do need to be more than row upon row of public access computers ( though it is great that our public libraries provide this much needed service). Maybe it is 'gutsy' to hire someone with a strong retail bookstore management background, or maybe it's just really smart.

Posted 2:30 AM, 12.20.08 | Permalink

user hocogirl says...

I am confused - why run this editorial? It is rather rude (uncivil - dare I say it) -- the mystery person who got the job has a name and maybe even feelings -- we are not talking about some robot from (horror of horrors a retail store!) and if you ARE so impressed with Mr. Malveaux, why embarrass him this way AND did you consider what this editorial might make his daily WORK life like? And as to the comment about the catalog being too hard for the librarians to use -- did anyone make a connection here -- ding ding ding - maybe THAT is why the Library wisely hired someone outside the library world -- maybe the evil retail person can actually USE a computer?

Posted 9:17 AM, 12.24.08 | Permalink

user says...

I have followed with interest the comments on the recent ‘shake-up’ of management at the East Columbia library and the system’s motivation to create a ‘retail’ experience within a public library. The circulation of library materials must be as vital to a library’s success as sales are to a book store – even at a time in our economy where lending libraries are sure to receive more traffic than book stores. The East Columbia Library is a beautiful building with a small café, a wonderful children’s room and a generally top-notch staff who offer not only excellent customer service, but when it comes to getting information about anything are far more approachable than say the staff at the Central or Miller branches. And they smile more. But there is a serious and ongoing problem at East Columbia that would never be permitted to occur in any retail environment. Every afternoon this lovely library is literally overrun with unruly, out-of-control and unsupervised teens. In fact, this dangerous atmosphere demands the need of a police officer to safeguard both the public and the employees. How could this setting begin to be compared to any book store anywhere? The facts are that while the merchandising of library books may be important, East Columbia Library is a troubled branch that first deserves a manager who would best represent its unique demographics and subsequent challenges!

Posted 4:01 PM, 12.25.08 | Permalink