Librarians from the Penobscot Bay islands gathered at Islesboro Central School June 24-25 for the first of three summer work sessions to assist with cataloguing and other library “chores.” Following two spring meetings at the Island Institute in Rockland, librarians from some of the islands’ town and school libraries felt that one way to support each other was through hands-on work in each of their respective libraries. During the busy school year it is difficult for librarians to find the time to catch up on tasks such as keeping their catalogues current.
On Islesboro, the focus was on helping to catalog over $11,000 worth of new books purchased through a grant received from MBNA. At another session held on Vinalhaven July 8, the group assisted in automating more of the school library collection in preparation for moving to the new school facility next year. The last of the three work sessions is scheduled for August 20 on North Haven, where the group will assist both the town and school libraries with their cataloguing projects.
The meetings and work sessions have been a pleasant and productive way for the library staff members and Institute Fellows and staff to get to know each other and share information and resources.