Focus Hawaii Richard Burns Bookmobile Librarian

Authors

• Lance Chase
• Richard Burns

Files

Description

Hosted by Lance Chase, this episode of Focus Hawaii spotlights Richard Burns, the bookmobile librarian for the Hawaiʻi State Public Library System, as he explains how this unique “library on wheels” serves communities from Kailua to Sunset Beach. Burns describes Hawaiʻi’s statewide library structure, the bookmobile’s role in reaching residents with limited access to library branches, and the wide range of materials carried—including fiction, nonfiction, Hawaiiana, magazines, paperbacks, audiobooks, and even videotapes. He discusses how routes are scheduled, how patrons can borrow or request books, how the collection is rotated monthly, and how personalized service develops through long‑term relationships with regular visitors. Burns also highlights the state’s forward‑leaning use of technology, such as dial‑up catalog access, and offers practical insights on lending policies, fines, book care, and the future potential for onboard computers. The episode provides a rare inside look at a vital mobile service that keeps literature, learning, and library access alive across Oʻahu’s rural and coastal communities.

Length of Video

00:29:19

File Size

2.5GB

Archives Call Number

22.FH

Air Date

Winter 3-8-1994

Keywords

Lance Chase, Focus Hawaii, Richard Burns, Hawaiʻi bookmobile, mobile library, Kaneohe Public Library, Oʻahu library services, Hawaiʻi State Public Library System, rural library access, library outreach, rotating book collection, Hawaiiana books, library technology Hawaiʻi, dial‑up catalog access, book lending policies, library fines, mobile librarian, Keolu Hills Kailua, Laʻie bookmobile stop, community reading habits.

Disciplines

Education

Recommended Citation

Chase, Lance and Burns, Richard, "Focus Hawaii Richard Burns Bookmobile Librarian" (1994). Focus Hawaii. 117.
https://digitalcollections.byuh.edu/focushawaii/117