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Library In a Box

WHAT IS A LIBRARY IN A BOX? 

The Library in A Box is a system initiated in 2001 to share the successes of the first public lending library program in Nicaragua. Church groups, peace Corp workers various Service Organizations,  and individuals have successfully started lending libraries, mobile lending projects and community library lending spots with this system. It is important to note that nearly no one in Central America has believed it is possible to loan books and not lose them all. We have proved this myth wrong, time and again with this simple and effective system.

It has functioned as a start up kit for many third world libraries especially in Central America

There are over 50 recipients of this kit in various areas of Central America and over 35 function with the HJH Program in a successful and ongoing way. Many have gone on to create several libraries all lending books successfully often in very poor and adverse conditions.

First step is an application that tells us if the system can be used effectively.

Once that is established ( this application helps the group to define their project and be aware of the process they will be undertaking.)

The box contains a variety of items the will serve for the long term- The file boxes Accession book ( where you record the books and number them as they arrive) The Borrowers record book,  the alphabet cards for the file box etc

Other items are just to start up the program ie: 500 library cards, registration cards, borrowers cards etc. These can then be printed- or copied or purchased as the program moves along.

Some items will need to be purchased separately by the entity –A stamp with the library’s name on it. An embosser with the library logo on it ( Optional) There is a list of suggested and optional items. These can be supplied by us at additional cost or items a group requests volunteers and donors supply. This is true of additional books as well. However, we are able to supply additional books at a greater discount than retail stores or on- line purchasing can provide.

Each project should purchase and keep its own system and not lump them together.

 One of the reasons for the system is because it is a tried and true successful lending system Return of the books is most important.

Two small Rubbermaid Rough Neck - 10 gal size is a good start- one for the system and one for the first 100 books that is the seed collection. The system and the books also fits in one 25 gal Rubber maid Rough Neck Bin.  Holes can be drilled in the lids which correspond to holes in the handles and tie downs make the bin secure for shipping.

Cost for all but the personal stamp and embosser and any soft ware is $500.00

Instruction s and support are available both on the website www.librariesforall.org or through the email address where a volunteer familiar with the system can assist – All support is available both in English and in Spanish..

LIBRARY IN A BOX –$500

Supplies etc.

Supplies for one “Library in a Box”:

1 Log Book for recording the names and the card number of borrowers

1 Accession Book                                                      

1000 # Accession Sheets- 1 set                                  

2 File card transfer case lid style                                

2 Alphabet file card sets

500 Registration Forms

500 Library cards (500 package) printed or purchased

500 labels 1 x 2 5/8” Laser 5160  ( spine labels for books)

Plastic tape for spine labels

Clear Duct tape to use as card protectors

100 Plastic library logo book bags                             

500 Notification cards – printer provided

500 Registration cards – printer provided

500 Borrowers cards – printer provided

500 Information Book Mark (“how to keep the books from the library safe”) ( In Spanish)

Journal book for each project

Protocol booklet

Policy instructions

Assortment of literacy brochure samples, stickers, small prizes and samples of simple craft activities-

A seed collection of 100 books- primarily children’s books following roughly the 30% rule

30% fiction 30 % non fiction 30% classic inc poetry, prose, legends etc.  10% young adult etc.

1 25 Gal Rubbermaid bin with secure lid for shipping or two 10 gal bins are included and both options hold entire “Library” .

NOT INCLUDED:

Library name stamp- NOT INCLUDED

Optional suggested extra items:

Colored pencils , crayons construction paper , scissors etc for children’s programs

Educational games and puzzles

Embosser Stamp

Self adhesive laminate cards 100/pkg for protecting Library cards

Laminating sheets for laminator also for protecting library cards

Lanyards for wearing library cards.

Additional library logo bags in plastic 50.cent/each

Canvas library tote bags. $3.50 ea.

Description of  Types of Systems.

Church/School

Public Programs

Mobile Programs

* Systems should be repeated for each project and not lumped together. Books allocated for a mobile project need their own book numbers and system.

The System:

Library Cards:

             Blue is for the public libraries

             Yellow is for circulating/lending school libraries

             Red is for mobile projects

Borrower’s Cards:

             Blue is for the public

             Yellow is for schools

             Green is for mobile projects

• All Projects require a separate set of accession and borrowers journals

• Some projects may want o computerize their systems. Not included but available programs are:

• Church Related Online Software Systems, Inc: CROSS is an excellent low cost database priced at $145.00 and used by American Embassy Libraries worldwide. See www.cross-products.com

• Library Soft Data Base System0 Available to run with battery powered laptop and USB Scanner system. Support person available by email to help with set up- Advanced knowledge required.

HJH Libraries for All

The SJDS Biblioteca is the first lending library in Nicaragua, providing books, information, technology, and community center services to the people of San Juan del Sur and its surrounding communities. "Our objective was to start a lending library and mobile program for San Juan del Sur and the small outlying communities nearby to provide books, resources and community center services where none were available. Libraries in Nicaragua do not loan their books, and new books are rare. There is little or no access to books or information and there are very few books or materials in many schoolrooms. The SJDS Biblioteca has become an integral part of the community and now serves as a successful example to other lending library programs in Latin America." 

SJDS Mobile Project

The San Juan del Sur Biblioteca's Mobile Project began in May, 2003. Three times a week, library staff and volunteers load bins of books onto a pickup truck and venture into the countryside surrounding San Juan del Sur. At each site, library patrons are able to browse and exchange books, and other educational and recreational activities are frequently provided for children.

By June 2008, the mobile project  is bringing more than 5,000 books to 32 remote farming communities, and it had issued more than 3800 library cards to children, their teachers, parents and other residents.  

As a regularly-scheduled community service, the Mobile project serves as a vital link between the remote villages and San Juan del Sur.  It is actively taking steps to give rural residents equal access to the public services routinely offered to city dwellers. In addition to  library and information services, these include medical and dental clinics and optometric services. The library also coordinates with public health practitioners and school supervisors to provide transportation to and from the communities it serves.

In the years since its inception, the Biblioteca Móvil has become a vital resource for many of its patrons . In many of the more rural areas the visits from the Movil provide the only community centered services available.

Affiliations...Can we add your organization to our list of partners?

These affiliations afford great resources to anyone wishing to start or promote a third-world lending library.

• ALA (American Library Association)

• International Relations Round Table (IRRT)

• Sister Libraries Program

• Young Adult Library Services Association

• Public Library Association

• Asociación Nicaraguense de Bibliotecarios y Profesionales Afines (ANIBIPA)

• Isabel Schon International Center for Spanish Books for Youth

• International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA)

• Reforma

• Simmons College GSLIS

• Simmons International Relations (SIR)

• Simmons Dispatches from the Field Blog

• University of Maryland iSchool Blog

• Wisconsin Nicaragua Partners of America

Donations

Yes, I would like to make a 100% tax-deductible donation to support The Hester J. Hodgdon Libraries For All Program, a Colorado-based 501(c)3 non-profit organization.