Mary A. Dempsey, Commissioner for the Chicago Public Library, responded exceptionally well to a story on Fox Chicago News that suggested that the $120 million spent on the library was a waste, given the amount of information on the internet and the budget needs of the Chicago Public Schools.<\/p>\n
Here is the initial news story, including video:<\/p>\n
Are Libraries Necessary, or a Waste of Tax Money?<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Here is Mary’s response:<\/p>\n Chicago Public Library Commissioner Note that she doesn’t get defensive, and doesn’t attack Fox or their reporter.\u00a0 She addresses the facts of the story, and explains in a straightforward manner the ways in which the library benefits Chicago, how they spend the money they receive from taxes, and graciously thanks the media organization for the opportunity to respond.<\/p>\n Every library staff member who might be in a position to reply to public criticism should copy this letter and have it available as a source for the tone and structure of an effective response.\u00a0 I am sure that the number of library supporters in Chicago has increased since its publication.<\/p>\n Thanks to Lori Bowen Ayre<\/a> for pointing me to the story!<\/em><\/p>\n Update:\u00a0 The full text of Mary Dempsey’s letter has been posted on Libology<\/strong><\/a>. Mary A. Dempsey, Commissioner for the Chicago Public Library, responded exceptionally well to a story on Fox Chicago News that suggested that the $120 million spent on the library was a waste, given the amount of information on the internet … Continue reading
\nResponds to FOX Chicago News’ Story<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n
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