After Ten Years: A Portrait of a Joint School/ Public Library: The Carrboro Branch Library & the McDougle Schools’ Media Center

by Leinaweaver, A. B.

This paper takes an in-depth look at the Carrboro (North Carolina) Branch Library, which shares space and resources with the school media center for the McDougle Elementary and Middle Schools. This library has existed as a joint organization for nearly ten years; a case study of this library’s functions and of the people who run the libraries provides insight into how to form a successful union.

The public library participants in this study responded to a questionnaire, based on requirements discussed in library science literature, which examines various aspects of the creation and administration of this organization. The primary factor which appears to affect the success of this specific joint venture is the flexibility of the librarian and media specialists when working together.