Anne Newins

By Anne Newins, with assistance from Sophia McMillen, Jan Hines, Lynda Hansen,
Liz Caldwell, and Bonny Turner

Hundreds of residents utilize the Manor library every year, checking out books, reading newspapers and magazines, or just enjoying the comfortable reading areas. Questions arise about library operations, so the purpose of this article is answer some of the most common ones.

How is the library operated?

The library is operated completely by volunteers. About 25 volunteers are responsible for checking books in and out, shelving, and other tasks that are obvious to patrons. Behind the shelves, volunteers also handle less visible functions. The library falls under the leadership of Sophia McMillen, a retired academic librarian at the University of Hawaii. Sophia and Lynda Hansen are responsible for cataloguing books, a complex process, with the assistance of Barbara Maxfield. Bonny Turner oversees the budget and volunteer training. Jan Hines is responsible for book acquisitions. Liz Caldwell handles a myriad of other functions, not the least of which is tracking circulation. Among Anne Newins’ duties is determining when to remove books from the collection.

How is the library funded?

According to Bonny Turner, the RVM library receives 100% of its funding through donations from our residents in the way of bequests and tax-deductible year end donations to the Foundation. Most of these monies are budgeted annually for the purchase of new books, three newspaper subscriptions, and annual software maintenance. All magazines and audiobooks are donated by residents. A minor amount is allotted for unseen expenses. The Resident Council provides a small amount for out-of-pocket expenses, such as inexpensive office supplies.

How are books chosen?

Jan Hines is responsible for determining which books will be added to the library collection. Jan reported that “out of hundreds of new books published each month, only a few are purchased for the RVM library,” due in part to space limitations. According to Jan, “Books chosen are those appealing to the greatest number of RVM readers. Most residents prefer fiction, although there is a small group of dedicated non-fiction readers. Reviews from at least five sources are read for all books under consideration and the final list is checked for diversity and balance.” The monthly book order usually consists of ten to twelve recent publications, including non-fiction, favorite authors, mysteries and thrillers, and “occasionally a ‘sleeper’ to keep things interesting.” Fortunately, more popular large print books are available than in the past.

A number of books are donated by residents, which helps stretch the library budget. Many of these donations are passed onto the Annex for sale because of their age, condition, are duplicate copies, or because they do not meet the criteria listed above. Books that are heavy (weight-wise), “hard science,” or “classical” literature are rarely circulated and are not likely to be kept.

For efficiency, it is best if these types of books are donated directly to the Annex. New and popular duplicate copies also are redirected to the Health Center and Care Suites, where collections of non-catalogued books are kept for residents.

Most books written by Manor authors are added to the collection if they will be of general interest. No chemistry textbooks, please!

What online services are available for readers?

The library uses two types of technology, Atriuum and OPAC. Atriuum is used for many library operations, including cataloguing, circulation, book reserve lists, and overdue tracking. The stalwart volunteers have catalogued about 10,000 books and audio books just since 2014, when the library converted from an old-fashioned card system. OPAC is the system available for Manor patrons’ use, both from home or in the library.

Each resident has a user identification name and password. The user id normally is the resident’s initial and last name and the default password is their unit number. Residents may change their passwords if desired. The passwords do not automatically change if readers change residence. For help with user names or passwords, a friendly library volunteer can help.

OPAC easily is found on MyRVM. Simply link on “Libraries.” This will offer readers the option of choosing Books and Audiobooks or the DVD library. The OPAC main page offers a review of library services and gives instructions. If you log on, you will be able to reserve books, check when your books are due, and renew them if they are not being requested by others. You even may find a history of books you have checked out.

What if I need help?

The Manor library is open 24/7. It is staffed daily by volunteers, both morning and afternoon. They will be happy to answer any of your questions.