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Samantha Martin Interview 3/16/2013 7:59:52 PM
Librarian Samantha Martin discusses the expanding & changing role of the public library and librarians! LTS: In a recent article in one of our local newspapers, there was talk that libraries are becoming obsolete. In the age of eBooks and eReaders, some feel the institution is becoming obsolete and an unnecessary cost to the community. The general sentiment was: Who needs a library when so much can be downloaded directly from the Internet?
I decided there was no one better to answer these questions than a librarian!
So today, I’m pleased to introduce you to Samantha Martin, Library Programming Assistant at Walnut Cove Public Library in North Carolina.
I had the good fortune of ‘meeting’ Samantha through Twitter. Our mutual love for books, my love of writing stories and her love of reading stories were the elements that brought us together.
Hello Samantha! Why don’t we start with sharing some information about you! What do you enjoy doing when you are not working in the library or reading books?
SM: I enjoy spending time with my family. I am married to a wonderful man, Chris, and have three beautiful children; my two boys, Connor and Aidan, and my daughter, Kaylee.
LTS: Can you share with our readers what your role as a Programming Assistant consists of?
SM: I am in charge of creating and supervising programs that the library puts on and sponsors. For example, we have Movie Nights where we show movies for free. Living in a rural county with no public transportation and a high level of poverty, we really like to offer programs that allow our community to get out and socialize, as well as give the teens and youth a safe place to be.
LTS: When I was a kid (many, many years ago), the librarian was the ‘go-to’ person when you could not find a book or needed a recommendation for a good read or reference books. Would you say the role of the librarian has changed over the decades and if so, how is it different?
SM: In many ways the role of the librarian has not changed. People still come to us for recommendations on what to read and where they can find books for research. What has changed is that now with the advances in technology we become computer teachers, job coaches, resume writers, tutors, genealogy researchers and much more.
LTS: So I am right when I say libraries are so much more than books! With so many taking advantage of downloadable books on the Internet, do you feel it’s changed the way libraries are utilized? Are libraries and print books becoming obsolete?
SM: eBooks have definitely changed the way that libraries are utilized. With the invention of eBooks, libraries knew that they had to evolve with the times. At our library we offer ebooks to checkout through an online application called Overdrive. Any of our patrons can go online and browse our selection of ebooks, check out the available ones and put books on hold. So even though patrons are not coming in to check out a print copy of the book, they are still using our library.
It is not hard to imagine that print books will eventually become obsolete, but I feel that libraries, like always, will adapt and evolve with these changes, and find new ways to help our patrons.
LTS: What are some of the things your library does to keep your patrons coming back for more than just books?
SM: We showcase new books so they are easy for the patrons to find. We really get to know our patrons and what they like to read, that way when a book comes in that we know one of our patrons would really like, we go ahead and put it on hold for them.
We also offer monthly outreach programs for local schools were we visit them and read to all the classes, as well as and bring each class a bag of books to read. Our local schools also have a “Battle of the Books” program that they do each year. This is a program that students participate in that requires them to read pre-selected books throughout the year for incentives. We make sure we have the books available for the students and make sure they are displayed in their own section. We also cater to local nursing homes and assisted living facilities. We make sure that we have books available in large print, for those that need it.
We have Summer Reading programs every year when school gets out. We have performers and entertainers that come out on different days. We offer different programs for all ages all summer long. We have contests with prizes for the patrons that read the most books over the summer.
LTS: I know many readers and reviews will turn their noses up at self-published titles, even if there have been great reviews. What made you decide to include indie authors into your library collection?
SM: How many times have we heard, “Don’t judge a book by its cover.” I believe every book whether self-published or mass marketed, should be given its chance to shine. I have read a lot of books in my time and each one has been an adventure that I will never forget. Indie books are books just like all the others and should be given the same attention. Therefore, I decided to add an Indie Collection to the library so that our patrons could see that these authors and their stories are just as good, even better, then the ones that are out there today. Just give them a chance and you might find you next great adventure waiting for you!
LTS: Nice! I love how open-minded you are! ;-) Now, what are some of the criteria a book must meet before you add them to your collection or recommend them to your fellow librarians?
SM: Each library can add whatever books they want to their collection; therefore, it just depends on the tastes of each library and what they want on their shelves. Most librarians try to be objective and think about what their patrons are reading and if they would like this book enough to add it. Also we tend to follow the current trends and what is popular.
LTS: Good to know! So, what advice do you have for authors that would help them get their works included in their local libraries?
SM: There are many ways that local authors can get their books included at their local library. They can donate copies of some of their books so the libraries could get familiar with their work. They could also contact their local libraries and find out where they order their books from.
For instance we order our books from Baker & Taylor. Authors could contact these companies and see what the process of getting their books included in the catalog for libraries to order is. Above all visit the libraries, see if you can do a book signing. We have had many events where we sponsor local authors. They would come and read from their books, answer questions, and sign books. Working with the local library to post “Spotlights” and giveaways on their websites is also an option. It is such an awesome experiences for librarians to be able to host local authors, so do not discount yourself, we would love to have you!
LTS: What is your preference? Print books or ebooks?
SM: Nowadays I guess I would be called old fashion because I prefer my books in print. To me nothing quite compares to feeling a book in my hand, the smell of the pages, and the beauty of the cover art.
LTS: What are you reading now and how did you come to make this selection?
SM: I am currently reading a couple of books, “Greta and the Goblin King by Chloe Jacobs” and “Haven of Obedience by Marina Anderson”. I host two blogs. My Teen Blurb blog (www.teenblurb.org) is for Young Adult Book Review, and Faerie Tale Books (www.faerietalebooks.org) is my Adult Book Review site. Both influence what I read on a daily basis.
LTS: What is your favorite novel and why would you make it a recommended read?
SM: Wow, tough question. It is really hard to pinpoint one favorite novel for me, so I will just say that my favorite book(s) that I have read lately is the Lux Series by Jennifer L. Armentrout. I really love this series! I not only can relate to the main character, but I love Jennifer’s writing style. If you like romance, action, suspense, snarky comments, and aliens you will love this series!
Check out my reviews of the first three books in the series here: http://teenblurb.org/category/aliens/
LTS: Thank you so much for sharing in your knowledge and experience, Samantha! I’m confident we all now have a greater appreciation for our libraries and librarians, thanks to you!
