Revisiting: What is a Library

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. 

 

What is a librarian/library?

In my current job we often joke about the librarian stereotype: Older lady with her hair all done up in a tight bun, glasses slid down her nose, cardigan and sensible shoes on and her mouth constantly posed in a shushing position!  Heaven forbid that anyone make a sound louder than a whisper in her library and everyone must always show the proper respect to the books.  Does this sound familiar? 

Every person has had different experiences with libraries and librarians.  If you asked 5 different people to define what a library meant to them, you probably would get five different answers.  None would be wrong because they would reflect what those individuals had experienced in their lifetimes.


These are some of my current beliefs in what the library sciences profession is (at the beginning of my MLIS journey):

1. Libraries do not include just books anymore.  Librarians need to be able to adapt to all the changes that are occurring the world.  Today libraries contain books, audio books, dvd's, computers, electronic books, etc and librarians have to be comfortable with these medias in order to help their patrons navigate all this material.  Librarians don't need to be professionals but they do need to have good resources where the patron can be directed to.  Basic knowledge is necessary in case the resources are unavailable at a particular time however. 

2. While technology is great, librarians should support and encourage traditional ways as well.  Actual physical books have been around for so long it would be sad to see them go by the wayside.  Librarians should continue to encourage kids to learn how to look up information in a book instead of always on the internet.  Today most children run directly to the internet for all of their information.  This is a great resource but other resources should be encouraged as well.

3. Librarians need to be supportive of all their patrons and their choices.  This should be reflected in the material that the library stocks on the shelves as well.  Just because the librarian wouldn't want to read a particular book or watch a particular movie does not mean that everyone feels that way.  There should be a variety when materials are being purchased for the library.  Patrons should also feel comfortable approaching a librarian to ask questions regarding particular material and not feel uncomfortable.

4. Libraries should be there for the entire community, not just a chosen few.  It can be tempting to just focus on those who consistently use the library according to our beliefs and only bring in material and programs just for them.  However the library is there for the entire community and efforts should be made to make material and program fit all aspects of the community.  The library should be a place of learning for all.  Everyone should be comfortable walking into the door of the library.

What are your thoughts of libraries and librarians?