Why doesn’t my library have that?
Exploring constant and purposeful change in the library profession
I have always made it a point to visit a local library when visiting a new area. A fun addition to a library’s collection that always makes me excitedly gasp is the use of a seed library. I’m always excited to see what they have to offer. Seed libraries are an amazingly simple service that provide the community access to free seeds to plant and grow on their own. Any limitations, restrictions, or additional suggestions regarding the service are decided by the host library. This potential for seed libraries results in a unique experience for library users at any location that offers the service.
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A question always came to mind after marveling at a new seed library I discovered: “Why doesn’t my library have that?” This honest question can apply to many instances of encountering new or unique services offered at select libraries – from a new innovation center that hosts a wide collection of creative technologies to introducing self-service access for essential library services outside of normal operating hours. There are so many creative ideas out in the world that have successfully introduced a new service to libraries and the communities they serve. While those stories are inspiring to see in action, sometimes we as users can’t help but ask: Why not here?
“When we discuss constant and purposeful change, we do not mean change just for the sake of change” (Casey & Savastinuk, 2007).
We as library professionals must always remember that change is a constant in our profession of working with users and creating services to satisfy their evolving needs. In order to remain relevant to users, we must strive to keep up with new technologies and public expectations. Purposeful change within a library considers the motivation behind “why” we want to introduce a new service or idea (Casey & Savastinuk, 2007) and ensures that the reasoning supports not only the mission and goals of the library but also the needs of current and potential users.
This is a foundational concept!
Discovering a potential idea, considering the motivation for going forward, evaluating the current situation, and gathering evidence to guide future decisions are all preliminary steps taken in the push for purposeful change. It’s a process – not simply a suggestion – that once fine-tuned will result in more successful and smoother instances of implementing change.
An effective incorporation of constant and purposeful change can be seen in set frameworks that can help guide library professionals during the brainstorming, creation, and implementation of a certain idea. I am reminded of the useful IDEO framework that I was introduced to back in my Design Thinking course. Similar to the push for purposeful change in library settings, the IDEO framework spends a good chunk of the process defining a needed problem and the users that are being addressed. An understanding of the problem and a clear reasoning on the motivation for the intended users will make or break any new push within the library profession.
“Library 2.0 is perhaps above all else, the idea of constant change. Not only constant library change, but the recognition that our communities are constantly changing, and that our services to then must change proportionally” (Stephens, 2019).
Collections and services take time to go from an initial idea to the planning and final implementation. Whether there were a few people or an entire department behind a push for a new service, there is always some amount of effort put into these ideas. Remembering the need for constant and purposeful change during these processes ensures that the well-meant effort put into these services don’t fall into the examples of “plan, implement, and forget” (Casey & Savastinuk, 2007) that are used by many libraries.
This foundational concept of change is an essential reminder for me and other future library professionals that change comes with a lot of evaluation and planning. I found out that the LA County Library service that my local library is under actually has its own seed library locations. It just turned out that my location wasn’t one of them. Of course, that could be just one of other possible reasons for them not choosing my location. These plans also take time. OC Public Libraries (OCPL) just recently launched their own pilot program of Seed Libraries throughout their branches in early June and the results are amazing. Every implemented collection is unique with their motivations ranging from sustainability to local history to fresh food access.
References
Casey, M. E., & Savastinuk, L. C. (2007). Library 2.0: A guide to participatory library service. Medford, N.J: Information Today.
https://voiceofoc.org/2025/07/seed-libraries-sprout-across-oc/
https://www.riversideca.gov/library/hours-locations/main-library
Stephens, M. (2019). Chapter 1: “Past Is Prologue” in Wholehearted Librarianship: Finding Hope, Inspiration, and Balance
8 Comments
Tessa Stone
This is the first time I have heard about a seed library, and I think it’s wonderful! Your emphasis on purposeful change is important. It is clear with this program how it will benefit the community. Food scarcity is a problem many face across the United States. Helping patrons be able to grow their own food is very powerful.
A huge benefit of Hyperlinked Libraries is being able to see all these amazing ideas for better serving our communities. Thank you for sharing!
Alexis Ibarra
I’m happy! Your comment made me remember that libraries and community organizations have so many potential programs. An idea considered normal in one area can be new and innovative in another. It all depends on what a person or a community is exposed to. I really hope you have to chance to encounter one on any future library trips! It’s a little part of some libraries that will continue to make me smile when I find one (especially by chance).
https://www.seedlibrarynetwork.org/
I would recommend taking a look at the link above for the Seed Library Network that has a map of created seed libraries. It doesn’t have every location out there (I didn’t see them one I found at SJSU campus), but it’s really amazing how many locations they have marked worldwide.
Camillia T
Hi Alexis,
As someone who has worked in two libraries in the same system, one of the libraries had tool lending services, but the other did not. When I transferred to my current branch and patrons would ask about tool lending, I would tell them the service is not availiable in this library, but the nearest is in San Fernando. People get upset because they know that they will have to travel an hour to check out a sewing machine or Cricut printer. Additionally, those tools have to be returned to the home branch. I understand that tools are expensive, but I think each branch should at least have one tool or there should be at least one branch in the area that lends tools.
Alexis Ibarra
It would be amazing to see Tool Lending Libraries or even smaller applications of it throughout all branches. I have the same thought with makerspaces that have a variety of creative tools for patrons to access. It’s great seeing those spaces highlighted in main or central libraries, but I would love to see those spaces reach smaller branches too.
J. Crystal
Alexis,
I also enjoy going to other libraries and scoping them out. I also noticed that when I visited a library in Phoenix that they had a seed library section, and also thought, Why doesn’t my home library offer something like that? I live in the high desert and honestly think it’s just too difficult to grow plants if you are not caring for them daily. I have to check what they are offering instead of seedlings.
Alexis Ibarra
Yes! I love that you used the phrase “scope out”. I think that’s what I honestly do when I point out a nearby location to my friend. 😀
It’s nice that there are some seed libraries up in Phoenix and I do understand why there may be less. I think the sustainability focus for libraries in the high desert would focus more on water conservation and heat possibly. It’s interesting to think what programs or services those libraries would offer.
George Rothrock
Great post, thank you! There was one event at my local public library branch with seeds for San Diego native plants, encouraging water-appropriate plants, but it is an once-in-a-while program and not a permanaent aspect of the libray. I, as some above, was really turned on by the concept, since not only was there information re: native plants, but actual seeds. The National City library – not a part of the San Diego Public or San Diego County library systems has tools and other “things” you can check out – so that is cool. Thanks! -grafzepp
Alexis Ibarra
I really hope to see more libraries put on sustainability centered programs or events for their community – permanent or once in a while. I can see more love for those plant focused events in the spring time for sure.
I also took a look at The National City Library tool catalog and I am amazed. Compared to my county library, they have a broader collection of craft supplies and access to larger electrical tools like lawn mowers! These collections have amazed me yet again because I did not expect libraries to be able to lend tools that large.
I am intrigued now 🙂
I will now be keeping an eye out for a button maker at a lending library closer to me.