Way back in January, I posted an article on what a library and librarian are to me. Now that the semester is ending, I am revisiting this idea of what a library is.
My beliefs are still the same. I believe that a library is many different things to many different people. Each one walks away with a different experience. The community utilizes the library in many ways as well. Librarians must learn to adapt to all these changing needs. One person may need to use the computers and internet in the library to apply for a job. Another may come to pick up the latest book by their favorite author. Another uses the library to tutor students struggling in school while another teen might use the library as a place to sit and read instead of heading home to an empty house. Somehow libraries need to have spaces where all of these activities can go on at once.
The library profession is undergoing a transition at the moment. We have one foot in the past with the other in the future. Many of our patrons still want a physical book to enjoy however many patrons want access to e-books. Patrons are also approaching librarians for help in learning how to use e-books and computers. Library staff needs to know how to find a physical book, an e-book and how to obtain information for patrons both on-line and in actual books. I believe that this straddling the line will continue for awhile but eventually something will shift.
I am excited to see what the future holds for libraries. I am excited to be a part of this future as well.
My beliefs are still the same. I believe that a library is many different things to many different people. Each one walks away with a different experience. The community utilizes the library in many ways as well. Librarians must learn to adapt to all these changing needs. One person may need to use the computers and internet in the library to apply for a job. Another may come to pick up the latest book by their favorite author. Another uses the library to tutor students struggling in school while another teen might use the library as a place to sit and read instead of heading home to an empty house. Somehow libraries need to have spaces where all of these activities can go on at once.
The library profession is undergoing a transition at the moment. We have one foot in the past with the other in the future. Many of our patrons still want a physical book to enjoy however many patrons want access to e-books. Patrons are also approaching librarians for help in learning how to use e-books and computers. Library staff needs to know how to find a physical book, an e-book and how to obtain information for patrons both on-line and in actual books. I believe that this straddling the line will continue for awhile but eventually something will shift.
I am excited to see what the future holds for libraries. I am excited to be a part of this future as well.
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