This was finals week for Winter quarter, whew. I've decided to share here the text of my final paper for "Computers in Libraries" class. We were to describe what we thought libraries would be like in 20 years. It wasn't a tough paper, just one we were supposed to be reflective and think about how technological change has affected libraries in the past 20 years and how it will affect them in the next 20. So this is my vision...
When I imagine what public libraries will be like in 20 years, I see them as portals for information of myriad types: research, entertainment, enlightenment, education, daily life, you name it. Service to patrons encompasses more than books, music and movies -- access to information and technology for everyone is the guiding principle for librarians.
Libraries will be purveyors of information, teaching people how to search for it, helping them navigate in a world cluttered with information at every turn. They will have become, in the words of a wise librarian, "information dieticians." But there still will be a portion of the population that was not raised with computers. No matter how ubiquitous computers have become, some people will still be adapting -- or resisting change. Librarians will need to be able to serve them.
Because many of their patrons will still be aging Boomers, there will be books and other printed materials available. Books will not die, but will co-exist with non-print versions of the same works. In a world that has become more and more transitory, people will still value the feeling of permanence printed books give. Printed material will survive, but more options will be available. E-books for download, audio books, and preloaded e-readers will be available for check-out much like play-aways are available today. The library will exist as much online as it does in a physical building. Library Web sites will increasingly give patrons access from anywhere. Libraries will have embraced the idea that online interaction will increase their power to provide information to the masses, no matter whether those patrons are around the corner or on the other side of the world. New ways of cataloging collections and encoding metadata will create interconnecting links to and from library OPACs and the World Wide Web in general. Resources will be more interactive and users will be able to add things like reviews to an item's record.
Even with this global presence, since these libraries depend on public funding, they will need to promote how they can make all this new technology and information available to their own community. Partnering with other librarians in schools and organizations, public librarians will become teachers of a sort. As technologies emerge, libraries will position themselves as leaders in teaching their communities not only how to use new tools, but ways to make advantageous use of the tools to make their lives better. They also will be champions of the cause for making access available to everyone. Gifted librarians will make emerging technology their ally in educting their communities.
By 2030, libraries will be vibrant places full of computers and other technology available for use by anyone. Gone will be the "shushers," replaced by information technology experts eager to help people learn about the latest advances. I have no idea what new technologies will come in the next 20 years, but I know that forward-thinking librarians won't resist change, but seize every technology opportunity as a way to become more useful to patrons , as a way to encourage new uses for the resources the library has access to.
But don't worry; in their continued mission of literacy education, libraries will still hold story times for babies, read-alongs and other youth-oriented activities with books. Yes, books, ones that contain brightly colored pictures and simple text, but also might incorporate sound and movement. I am sure that low-tech books will still have a place in the world. Just as vinyl records are still around long after the advent of CDs and MP3s, so books will endure and people will still read them.
Showing posts with label services. Show all posts
Showing posts with label services. Show all posts
Friday, March 19, 2010
Monday, May 25, 2009
Wrapping it up
When we began this journey, I was just looking to find out about public libraries and their goal of providing free access to information. The investigation was partly because I wanted to know more about libraries’ role in society and democracy, but it was also because I wanted to see up close what libraries were offering to their communities. I grew up with the concept of a library being a big building filled with books where you could go to borrow books, look up information, and get help from the librarian in finding what you needed. Of course, I know that now there are computers for use at the library and you can access a lot of information online from libraries’ Web sites, but had no idea what public libraries had to offer these days.
Through my research, I found that the “information” a library can provide access to is far broader than I imagined. I also learned a little about the history of public libraries and how they fit into the fabric of our country. I understand more now about what local public libraries have to offer their patrons. Beyond the standard books, movies, music, and periodicals, libraries have a wealth of information at their fingertips that can be accessed from our homes or at the library; and there are trained librarians available to make searching for what we need easier. But it’s more than that, libraries offer events, programs, and resources that can help people dealing with tough times. Library staff members have worked to bring patrons a variety of things that can help make their lives better and more enjoyable.
Public libraries reach out to their communities and offer services to all patrons without regard to who they are, what their beliefs are or how much money they make. They help those who can’t afford a computer gain access to one and help them learn to use it. Public libraries help people whose native language isn’t English learn to speak it so they can function in their community a little easier. They encourage those who aren’t English speakers to become not only readers, but to ignite that passion for reading in their children.
Another way that some public libraries help democracy function is to provide free access to information about our government and its operations through the Federal Depository Library Program. To me, that’s a pretty important role to play.
If you thought that a public library was just a big building filled with books and other materials before you read this blog, I hope you’ve learned along with me just how much more than that it is. I also hope that you’ll be eager to find some of these free opportunities at your own public library and take advantage of them. In this day and age, who can say “no thanks” to deals like these?
Through my research, I found that the “information” a library can provide access to is far broader than I imagined. I also learned a little about the history of public libraries and how they fit into the fabric of our country. I understand more now about what local public libraries have to offer their patrons. Beyond the standard books, movies, music, and periodicals, libraries have a wealth of information at their fingertips that can be accessed from our homes or at the library; and there are trained librarians available to make searching for what we need easier. But it’s more than that, libraries offer events, programs, and resources that can help people dealing with tough times. Library staff members have worked to bring patrons a variety of things that can help make their lives better and more enjoyable.
Public libraries reach out to their communities and offer services to all patrons without regard to who they are, what their beliefs are or how much money they make. They help those who can’t afford a computer gain access to one and help them learn to use it. Public libraries help people whose native language isn’t English learn to speak it so they can function in their community a little easier. They encourage those who aren’t English speakers to become not only readers, but to ignite that passion for reading in their children.
Another way that some public libraries help democracy function is to provide free access to information about our government and its operations through the Federal Depository Library Program. To me, that’s a pretty important role to play.
If you thought that a public library was just a big building filled with books and other materials before you read this blog, I hope you’ve learned along with me just how much more than that it is. I also hope that you’ll be eager to find some of these free opportunities at your own public library and take advantage of them. In this day and age, who can say “no thanks” to deals like these?
Civic duty
As part of their mission to uphold free speech and foster open access to information, many libraries participate in the Federal Depository Library Program. Since 1813, some libraries have been part of a system that assures the American people access to information about their government’s workings. In looking into just what the FDLP does, I found this information:
“The Federal Depository Library Program (FDLP) was established by Congress to ensure tha
t the American public has access to its Government's information. Since 1813, depository libraries have safeguarded the public's right to know by collecting, organizing, maintaining, preserving, and assisting users with information from the Federal Government. The FDLP provides Government information at no cost to designated depository libraries throughout the country and territories. These depository libraries, in turn, provide local, no-fee access to Government information in an impartial environment with professional assistance.
“As institutions committed to equity of access and dedicated to free and unrestricted public use, the nation's nearly 1,250 depository libraries serve as one of the vital links between 'We the people' and our Government. Anyone can visit Federal depository libraries and use the Federal depository collections which are filled with information on careers, business opportunities, consumer information, health and nutrition, legal and regulatory information, demographics, and numerous other subjects.” (About the FDLP, www.fdlp.gov)
You can check out their video here.
Looking at the directory of FDLP libraries, I found that the following libraries are part of the program: Washington State Library, Bellevue branch of the King County Library System, Seattle Public Library, Highline Community College and several other academic libraries throughout the state, and numerous law libraries. To be honest, I had never heard about this program before, but it’s exciting to learn about. Not only does the Government Printing Office provide the libraries with the documents and information, it also can provide pamphlets and information the library can give to patrons about how government as a whole works and there’s even one geared for kids! That’s pretty amazing if you ask me.
Another facet of the civic mission of public libraries is the assistance many provide in both “English as a Second Language” and how to become a citizen. The majority of public libraries I researched offer ESL classes and information; many of them even have events where people can practice their conversational English skills in an informal setting. There are podcasts, databases and often links to other information as well offered on many public libraries’ Web sites. One public library I found – Kitsap Regional Library – even offers information about becoming a citizen. They have exam preparation tools including DVDs and databases.
Libraries across the country are part of an annual event called “El día de los niños/El día de los libros (Children's Day/Book Day) -- also known as Día. Each year, it is held on April 30 and includes bilingual storytimes, book giveaways, and other family and literacy events. The day is aimed at partnering with parents and other caregivers to help raise enthusiastic readers among Spanish-speaking families. The event is coordinated by ALA’s Association for Library Service to Children and was originally started by children’s author Pat Mora in 1996. (ALA)
“The Federal Depository Library Program (FDLP) was established by Congress to ensure tha
t the American public has access to its Government's information. Since 1813, depository libraries have safeguarded the public's right to know by collecting, organizing, maintaining, preserving, and assisting users with information from the Federal Government. The FDLP provides Government information at no cost to designated depository libraries throughout the country and territories. These depository libraries, in turn, provide local, no-fee access to Government information in an impartial environment with professional assistance.“As institutions committed to equity of access and dedicated to free and unrestricted public use, the nation's nearly 1,250 depository libraries serve as one of the vital links between 'We the people' and our Government. Anyone can visit Federal depository libraries and use the Federal depository collections which are filled with information on careers, business opportunities, consumer information, health and nutrition, legal and regulatory information, demographics, and numerous other subjects.” (About the FDLP, www.fdlp.gov)
You can check out their video here.
Looking at the directory of FDLP libraries, I found that the following libraries are part of the program: Washington State Library, Bellevue branch of the King County Library System, Seattle Public Library, Highline Community College and several other academic libraries throughout the state, and numerous law libraries. To be honest, I had never heard about this program before, but it’s exciting to learn about. Not only does the Government Printing Office provide the libraries with the documents and information, it also can provide pamphlets and information the library can give to patrons about how government as a whole works and there’s even one geared for kids! That’s pretty amazing if you ask me.
Another facet of the civic mission of public libraries is the assistance many provide in both “English as a Second Language” and how to become a citizen. The majority of public libraries I researched offer ESL classes and information; many of them even have events where people can practice their conversational English skills in an informal setting. There are podcasts, databases and often links to other information as well offered on many public libraries’ Web sites. One public library I found – Kitsap Regional Library – even offers information about becoming a citizen. They have exam preparation tools including DVDs and databases.
Libraries across the country are part of an annual event called “El día de los niños/El día de los libros (Children's Day/Book Day) -- also known as Día. Each year, it is held on April 30 and includes bilingual storytimes, book giveaways, and other family and literacy events. The day is aimed at partnering with parents and other caregivers to help raise enthusiastic readers among Spanish-speaking families. The event is coordinated by ALA’s Association for Library Service to Children and was originally started by children’s author Pat Mora in 1996. (ALA)
Dealing with economic woes
In the recent economic struggles and widespread job losses, many libraries are making job hunting help available on site as well as online. Many libraries are holding seminars with resume 
help and job-hunting skill sessions. The library in York, Pennsylvania, decided to offer more than help, they set up a day where people (even those who did not have a library card) could come to the library, get help putting together a resume, then print out five free copies. Now free copies might not seem like much, but to unemployed job seekers, it’s a help. The library director said the event was set up not only to help job seekers, but also to draw attention to other free services the library offers. They hope to show people who aren’t already patrons what the library has to offer for free.
In an article about helping library users who are looking for employment and help with tighter budgets, Paul LeClerc, the president of the New York Public Library, said: “We've been in the job-search business for decades. This is a continuation.” (Brustein)
To help public libraries offer assistance to their communities in tough times, the ALA has made available resources nationwide. As part of a grant program, they have made available information from the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority called “Job Dislocation: Making Smart Financial Choices after a Job Loss.” It’s a brochure aimed at helping people maintain their financial stability while they are unemployed. The ALA provides the brochures to public libraries to give away.
The public library is the place to turn for free entertainment, too. With free DVDs to borrow (and sometimes free movie nights at
the library), periodicals to read, presentations to attend (including some libraries that offer opera and symphony previews), book discussions, teen game nights, story times, arts & crafts sessions, podcasts, computer classes, and more, libraries have much to offer. One library in 
California includes on its Web site a “Library Use Calculator” that was created by Michigan State Library and adopted by the Maine State Library. The tool can help patrons see how much money they are saving by using library resources rather than renting movies or buying books. (“Mission Viejo Library Offers New Calculator”)
Christina Hennessy, in her article “Making Do: Library Use On the Rise As Residents Trim Spending,” gave this example of ways one library is helping: “At Greenwich Library's Cos Cob branch, several programs are planned to help families save money, learn how to best use coupons and build shopping lists, and find other ways to cut costs on household spending, according to Kate Petrov, the library's spokeswoman.” There seems to be no end to the ways in which public libraries are reaching out to help people in their communities.
help and job-hunting skill sessions. The library in York, Pennsylvania, decided to offer more than help, they set up a day where people (even those who did not have a library card) could come to the library, get help putting together a resume, then print out five free copies. Now free copies might not seem like much, but to unemployed job seekers, it’s a help. The library director said the event was set up not only to help job seekers, but also to draw attention to other free services the library offers. They hope to show people who aren’t already patrons what the library has to offer for free.In an article about helping library users who are looking for employment and help with tighter budgets, Paul LeClerc, the president of the New York Public Library, said: “We've been in the job-search business for decades. This is a continuation.” (Brustein)
To help public libraries offer assistance to their communities in tough times, the ALA has made available resources nationwide. As part of a grant program, they have made available information from the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority called “Job Dislocation: Making Smart Financial Choices after a Job Loss.” It’s a brochure aimed at helping people maintain their financial stability while they are unemployed. The ALA provides the brochures to public libraries to give away.
The public library is the place to turn for free entertainment, too. With free DVDs to borrow (and sometimes free movie nights at
the library), periodicals to read, presentations to attend (including some libraries that offer opera and symphony previews), book discussions, teen game nights, story times, arts & crafts sessions, podcasts, computer classes, and more, libraries have much to offer. One library in 
California includes on its Web site a “Library Use Calculator” that was created by Michigan State Library and adopted by the Maine State Library. The tool can help patrons see how much money they are saving by using library resources rather than renting movies or buying books. (“Mission Viejo Library Offers New Calculator”)Christina Hennessy, in her article “Making Do: Library Use On the Rise As Residents Trim Spending,” gave this example of ways one library is helping: “At Greenwich Library's Cos Cob branch, several programs are planned to help families save money, learn how to best use coupons and build shopping lists, and find other ways to cut costs on household spending, according to Kate Petrov, the library's spokeswoman.” There seems to be no end to the ways in which public libraries are reaching out to help people in their communities.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)