Themes from this module that piqued my interest:
- Libraries are safe spaces that are well positioned to impact the health and well-being of their community members.
- Libraries can expand their services and user base by applying non-traditional approachs to circulation that build on top of their traditional services.
- The digital divide persists but it looks different than it used to.
- Libraries already are and have great potential to be a “central node” in a hyperlinked community.
The Prevailing Brand of Libraries: Books
A few months back I had a mildly frustrating conversation with an aquaintance of a friend. After hearing that I’m pursuing an MLIS, he asked what my thoughts were on the future of libraries and whether I thought “libraries were going to be obsolete” and whether “librarians” as a job would cease to exist. I think such questions are completely valid and that we should look ahead and consider how various factors may change libraries as we know them. What was frustrating though, was that the more we spoke it became clear that this person had a completely different idea and understanding of what a “library” is and does. His idea of libraries were simple: libraries house some books that you can check out. As we move towards more digital materials and synthesized materials become popular (as in people may opt for AI-generated summaries rather than read raw materials themselves) people will not borrow anymore books. Goodbye libraries ! Womp womp.
This reminded me of the lecture from module three (timestamp 15:23) where professor Stephens referenced OCLC’s finding that people strongly associate libraries with books, and may not consider the library for services beyond that. This was followed by some forbes writer’s comment that “Amazon should replace local libraries to save taxpayers money.” In his (not the forbes writer but the acquaintance of a friend’s) defense the last time he went to a library was four years ago at his university, and before that the library he was familar with was in a different country where he described it to be “dark and gloomy.” Luckily I had to opportunity to to gently inform this person that in fact, libraries have a lot more to offer than books (at least the ones I’ve been to) !
Libraries beyond Books
a screenshot of Pflugerville Library’s facebook post that I encountered on instagram
I’ve explored about thirty libraries all around Califonia in the last two years, and the sheer range of services and resources that are offered never ceases to amaze me. Books come in many formats, which leads to greater accessiblity and user reach. On top of basic reference services, many libraries offer fun programs for children, teens, and adults alike. I’ve seen social workers tabling and hosting meditation and wellness programs, life navigators (as they call it at my library) helping people with insurance set up and making appointments, esl language tutoring programs, digital + computer literacy workshops, hobby meetups, video + board game spaces, … seriously the list goes on. Then we have library “extensions” like bookmobiles and library kiosks (at an airport !! how cool is that).
I got carried away and went over the word count but my overall takeaway is that as Greenwood and Hasan suggest, libraries offer essential services beyond just books, that impact the health and well-being of the community.
I appreciate your description of the transition of thinking about libraries as traditional book warehouses to the more non-traditional services that have been exploding out of our communities. I have certainly had similar conversations with friends and family when I talk about working on my MLIS. There’s a lot of misunderstanding out there, but I am really excited about programs and services that actually go to the users instead of hoping they’ll overcome their misconception and show up at the library. I also love your list of services for life skills and learning (especially “life navigators” — what an interesting title!).