The traditional definition of a library or one that many may understand a library to be is that of a collection or depository of books and other materials. The American Library Association (n.d.) notes that the term “library” is used in many different aspects now, from “the brick-and-mortar public library to the digital library,” libraries are “changing and dynamic” spaces. Public libraries in particular continue to serve an increasingly diverse population. In meeting the needs of their communities, libraries are often innovating and looking for different ways to provide information and other resources and services to the public. “When evaluating new initiatives, we should consider the library less and our communities more (Schmidt, 2014).” Libraries are being redesigned and built for people, not books. Gone are the days of silent tables and stacks. Instead, there are meeting spaces, collaborative makerspaces, and even cafes. People are encouraged to talk, laugh, and connect with others. Looking even further beyond buildings and a library’s physical space, libraries are finding ways to meet people directly where they are at.
In the book, The Heart of Librarianship, Stephens (2016) describes how the hyperlinked librarian understands that “the library is everywhere – it is not just the building or virtual spaces,” and that “we must reach all users, not just those who come through our doors.” When we leave the library and go out into the community to conduct outreach as librarians or library staff, our focus is typically to engage with our communities, let them know what we have to offer, and bring them back into our space. But what about the people that can’t make it into a library due to time, resources, or other constraints? Can we bring them the information and resources that they need? The answer to that is yes. In fact, libraries are also bringing experiences beyond that of storytimes at schools and classrooms with them and into communities. These include bookmobiles, makespaces, library outposts, ebook stops, and more. “As reference statistics wane and paper reference collections dwindle, the need for a visible, vocal presence outside of our library walls is imperative (Stephens, 2016).”
The Biblioburro can be considered to be an early and low-tech bookmobile that brings books into the heart of a community. In 1997, primary school teacher Luis Soriano Bohorque started a traveling library, the Biblioburro, in the remote villages of Columbia (Sheridan, 2015). With his two donkeys, Alfa, and Beto (which when placed together is Spanish for “alphabet”), Luis delivered books and other educational programs to children in a community where there were no schools or teachers. Bookmobiles in other countries or communities similarly have the opportunity to bring books and other materials to remote communities that may not have the same access to information. In 2015, Montgomery County Public Libraries (MCPL) received an honorable mention from the Urban Libraries Council on their innovative outreach model. MCPL established a bilingual Outreach Team in 2013 to reach residents in a county with changing demographics. Equipped with laptops and iPads, the Team is able to expand “the mission of public service beyond the library physical walls (Urban Libraries Council, n.d.).” As Schneider (2006) noted, “It is about meeting people where they are and not where we want them to be.”
Reflecting on my own experience with libraries, it can be summed up as “I came because of the books, but stayed because of the people.” Libraries were a safe space for me when I was younger. While I had spent my high school years volunteering at my local library, I had not thought of it as a career option because I didn’t see myself as a people person. Years later when I by chance made my way back into libraries, I found that what I had reservations about is now what I love most about libraries. The people and the community that we make connections with continue to drive my passion for the work that I do, whether that’s within the library or outside of its walls. “I think our strength is in our ties to the community and the relationships we build with our customers. That should be our focus and should drive how we develop our programs and services in the future (Stephens, 2016).”
References
American Library Association. (n.d.). Definition of a Library: General Definition. Retrieved February 19, 2024, from https://libguides.ala.org/library-definition
Schmidt, A. (2014, May 6). Exploring Context: The user experience. Library Journal. https://www.libraryjournal.com/story/exploring-context-the-user-experience
Schneider, K.G. (2006, June 3). The User Is Not Broken: A meme masquerading as a manifesto. Free Range Librarian. https://freerangelibrarian.com/2006/06/03/the-user-is-not-broken-a-meme-masquerading-as-a-manifesto/
Sheridan, D. (2015, January 23). Biblioburro. Pop Goes the Page. https://popgoesthepage.princeton.edu/biblioburro/
Stephens, M. (2016). The Heart of Librarianship: Attentive, positive, and purposeful change. ALA Editions.
Urban Libraries Council. (n.d.). Service beyond our Walls: MCPL outreach model. https://www.urbanlibraries.org/innovations/service-beyond-our-walls-mcpl-outreach-model