The Human Connection At The Library

It isn't a radical thought to believe that libraries are the places that can be described as "connectors". Every library has one similar goal in common, connecting people to information. Many librarians will say that libraries "brand" in terms of marketing is books. That's may be true, however going into the digital age where computers are becoming increasingly important tools to everyday life, how does our brand, "books", help us or hurt us? How will libraries respond to the digital age to remain relevant, reliable and resourceful assets to the community? One of the main concerns that should be in the forefront of the library profession is the role that the digital world plays in human interaction. Take for example, how teens interact today with their friends. It is not uncommon to walk into the teen area of a library and catch them texting to their friends. Where are there friends? Are they at home? At school? Nope. Their friends that they are sharing a text with is likely next to them or down the next isle. Sadly the art of a good spoken conversation may be lost. The blame can not be placed only on the teens, adults are just as guilty. How often has it been said that it is "easier to email someone than call them"? For everything that technology affords us to do in the way of freely choosing how to communicate or accomplish our tasks, there is a growing sense of isolation. The computers have created a world where humans can "artificially" connect but in reality they are only connected the tools they use. Namely gadgets that "connect" the community to the internet 24/7. In many cases, the role of the library may be to be fill that gap and bring a "human" side to the computer age. It's a natural role for librarians to play. How often have libraries been the bridge that brings information and people together. Too many to count. There are many examples to site, but one very important one to begin with are the story time programs that have become a staple of library programs. In story times, librarians introduce reading not only as a means to learn but also to enjoy the written word. These programs also serve to help parents become proactive in helping their child learn. Parents who take their children to story times are most likely read to their children too. Can the digital age remove story time programs from libraries? Everything is possible with YouTube and Skype. However, that would be forgetting that the main ingredient of a good story time is human contact. The interaction between children and librarian can not be replaced by a digital world. One other glaring example is reference services that are provided by librarians. This is the one service that is often overlooked and seen as irrelevant to many patrons. Who needs a reference librarian when finding out the capital of Florida? Even before the internet, basic library skills taught students to look it up in an encyclopedia or atlas. With the advent of the information age, almost every home has access to basic information through Google or Wikipedia. When it comes to bigger research questions that require analytical skills to review information, the skills of a reference librarian is not only helpful but time savers. There have been numerous books where authors in their notes to readers will often give credit and praise to the librarian who helped them with research for their books. Again, the library puts a human touch on finding information in a fast past digital world. The constant challenge for librarians in the next few years is to preserve the human connection in this fast changing world. If we loose the human connection the process of learning, sharing and communication will at the very least slow down at he very worst halted. At the risk of sounding a bit "touchy feely", perhaps its time to promote "hugging" a librarian. If the bridge between informatton and people should collapse, then every community will suffer. This is precisely the reason why every community should have a library or at the very least access to one. This is how libraries will stay relevant, reliable and resourceful, it all starts with one human being helping another.

What Makes A Great Library Part 2

A sign of greatness for any person, business or institution is it's longevity. In the case of a person, it is their legacy. Libraries have been among the institutions that pass the test of longevity. It is a sad moment when that important fact seems to elude those who continue to argue that libraries should be a "relic" of the past. Librarians must ask themselves one question. If the local library were "great", would any community challenge the importance the library? Perhaps they would, but making their case would be made harder.

It may sound corny, but the first "mark" of a great library is a strong clear vision for the future. Library directors who fail to look beyond five to ten years in serving their communities are doomed to either ho-hum libraries or a closed libraries. The times in which we live is so incredibly rich with opportunities to expand and grow. Libraries are fortunate enough to be on the front line of using technology to share and distribute information. This is an exciting and the library with a strong vision to creatively adapt to the emerging technologies is one that will "survive".

Libraries that shape their programs around their communities' need for life-long education are in a better position to gather support then those that cite lack of time, tools and money as an obstacle. Excuses like these feed the fuel that libraries can not adapt. If they can not adapt, then its usefulness is overshadowed by the demand for the community to grow. What community wants to be left behind in the digital age? Unique programs which feature new technology is a good place to start connecting patrons with technology. However, there is still a place for traditional programs, but adding an updated version. One example would be storytimes, must be examined to see if there are other viable options to offer these programs. Video on web page? Using Skype? In other words, taking a traditional program and making it new again. Which is not as hard as it seems.

Leaders who have vision and think outside the box, tend to be proactive in the community. This means they don't wait for the Mayor or other city officials to come to them. On the local level, they go to city hall meetings, luncheons and parades. On the state level, they go to Legislative Days and meet with Representatives. This accomplishes two goals that every library should be able to achieve. One, the library, (or library director) defines who they are, what they do and what makes them great. Secondly, it keeps the library in the "spotlight" of the community.

What makes a great library? Not technology and gadgets by itself. Not even the building or the people who use it everyday. What makes a great library? Leadership, vision, and action. There is just one more idea to explore, bringing all these elements together and making it work for libraries. That a discussion for another time.

The World At Our Fingertips

By now it should come as no surprise that I love libraries. Every chance I get, I'm either promoting libraries, going to a library (and not just for work) or reading about libraries. If there were a library choir, I'd be in it. Programs such as summer reading clubs, teen advisory groups and adult book discussions are great ways in which to reach out to the community. This year's SRP (Summer Reading Program) theme is "One World, One Story" for children. The teens theme is "You are Here" and Adult's theme is "Novel Destinations" All very clever angles on the same idea. However, I'm going to shake things up a bit and add my own spin. Why not use this opportunity to point out that at the library everyone has "the World at their fingertips."

Our world is becoming smaller every day due to digitizing information, social networks and technical capabilities that seemed science fiction just a few years ago. The tired argument that the Internet has replaced the library is a myth that can be put to rest by seizing this opportunity to invite patrons to explore the world at their fingertips. These ideas not meant just for the wee ones but for the big kid in everyone. Just imagine, it's a Saturday afternoon, children and their families have come in for a program where the guest speaker is Justin Sumpter, author of Vampirates Series. How could the library afford the air fare? Did the Friend's group do an awesome job at fundraising? Nope. This was all made possible by the wonders of Skype, a voice over the internet service. Skype has also become popular for its ability to provide video conferencing that is fits in every library's budget. It is free if both parties sign up for the service. The technology is there, free and fun. Why shouldn't libraries take advantage of this opportunity to have a global author visit. (Hint to Justin Somper, please consider this an open invitation to "visit" my library) In addition to Skype, another tool at the library's disposal is YouTube. Any library around the world can use this site to film their programs or give a virtual tour of the library. Once the video is posted on YouTube. the world can "visit" the library.

On the same track Facebook has opened the doors for friends far and wide to get together. There should be no reason why U.S. libraries can not become friends with their counterparts across the pond. Think of the possibilities of becoming Facebook friends with London's public library. Librarians could share what programs are scheduled for the day their library and even invite their patrons to say "hello" to readers at your library. Sort of like a "virtual" pen pal. Perhaps they could even give suggestions of good books, or music CD. Who knows, this could lead to world wide advocacy for libraries. (A geeky librarian's dream come true to be sure)

What can we say about Twitter? There are possibilities here, but perhaps not as dramatic or easy as the other two tools. Twitter is challenging because it forces the writer to be witty and concise in 140 characters or less. Is this not a contest waiting to happen? With a little luck and a little work, invite libraries from US to China and everywhere in between to show their support of their libraries in 140 characters or less. Would patrons get excited about this? I don't know, but it is worth it to toss out ideas to see if it has wings.

As librarians, we truly have the world at our fingertips. News from around the world can be viewed almost instantaneously. Communication tools have become affordable, adaptable, and available everywhere around the world. Allowing the task of reaching out easier than before. Showcasing these social media tools in the library reminds patrons that the information they need is no further than their library. Even if the librarian has to "go all the way to China" to get the information desired.