The Final Chapter for Libraries?

In conversations among fellow librarians the topic often arises on whether there is any "life" left in our beloved institutions and professions. With Ebooks finally making a permanent mark right around the time that many libraries of all types are facing economic challenges does not boost morale among new and veteran librarians. Suffice it to say, everyone is trying to figure out if libraries will have a happy or tragic ending. One set of experts will gloat that the idea of the library is certainly outdated and outlived its usefulness. While another experts will point to the idea of a community "meeting" place as the library's new role. Both of these ideas are wrong. Why? They are based on false premises. If libraries continue to follow either one of these ideologies then surely the final chapter will be written.

Libraries are not outdated. If they were, there would not be a single computer in the building, library websites with 24/7 access would not exist and companies such as Overdrive would not have libraries as clients. It is quite amazing how many people fail to realize that the libraries have come into the 21st century and willing to face a bright digital future. Don't think this is true? Ask a librarian how many times a patron walks into the library and asks to see the card catalog because they haven't been in a library in over twenty years. Yes, they are talking about the old little drawers that held three by five cards organized by either title, author or subject. The surprised reactions of the patrons on finding what they need on a computer is quite amusing at times, but in reality it is a sad statement on the society. Libraries continue to miss the opportunity to boldly take their place in society. Which takes this discussion to the second theory built on faulty logic.

Libraries have always been places to share information and knowledge. To claim that libraries will make wonderful community centers in the future is similar to saying that libraries would make wonderful places to store books for anyone to use. This is a job that is being performed in libraries everywhere. What else is library programming then an attempt to bring everyone in the community together to learn together, read together and relax together. Name one library that does not offer a "educational" program that informs patron about a topic of local interest. Name one library that does not offer story time for little ones and their families. (Academic libraries don't count.) Finally, name one library that does not promote programs that involve entertainment and fun. This could be in the way of music or gaming. Face it the future of libraries as a community meeting place is already here. What hasn't happened yet, and the trend is beginning, the merging of park and recreation department, and senior centers into the library space. This is where libraries may lose their identity.

If both of ideologies are flawed, what is the solution for libraries' survival? To answer this question, one would have to believe that libraries are on life support. There is no doubt that this is the case since many changes are happening, it seems, at once. However, this is not prepping for a obituary for libraries in general. It is a step in trying to find the ailment and seeking a cure. For many, what hurts libraries the most is the damaging image as an outdated institution. As stated previously, this is FALSE. What hurts libraries the most is an inability to decide what direction to pursue for the future. Will libraries hang on to hard copies of books or dive completely into digital only? Can libraries provide services for every age group under the sun and still be able to manage to stay financially solvent? Are professional librarians with Master's degree on the way out because full time work is not available due to shrinking budgets? The answer to all of these questions can be summed up with one answer. To remain professional educators to the public, libraries must not settle for anything less than degreed full time librarians doing what they do better than anyone else in our society. Retrieve relevant and reliable information to the patrons. Forget the idea of a fun meeting place or being everything for everybody. It's time to get back to the roots of librarianship. That is providing reference services to all. If this can be accomplished,than the final chapter for libraries can hold off a bit. The best part of the story is just about to begin.

The Case for Librarians

This is either going to get me into hot water or create the opportunity of further discussions within the library world. It is my hope that it is the later. For too long now, the profession of librarians has suffered an inferiority complex. Librarians struggle with the image of what it is to be a professional in today's libraries. That struggle has impacted the image of the library as a whole. Some library associations have gone so far as to a publish a calendar photographing librarians' on the wild side with tattoos. This is not the image we need to be concerned about. The image as a professional is more important.

As professionals, librarians will select materials, answer reference questions, plan programs and balance budgets. It is amazing to see all the programs that libraries host on a day to day basis. Literally, the library has tried to become a place for everyone. From genealogy to gaming, and computers to crafts, with everything in between. In any given day in a library will have visitors coming in for all types of services. Is it any wonder that no one knows exactly what librarians do? Is it any wonder that patrons have come to expect additional non-library services? In a nutshell, Librarians entertain and educate patrons using a variety of tools that will aid the patrons in gathering information. Unfortunately, this does not get translated well to patrons or in financial crunches to government representatives.

The State of Michigan is experiencing a economic crisis that has been going on for almost eight years. To say that budget is tight is an understatement. Currently, Governor Jennifer Granholm has issued an Executive Order to eliminate the Histories, Arts and Libraries from the state budgets. Needless to say, this has caused a firestorm in the library community. However, in order to look at the problem realistically, it is easy to see that every sector of the government is going to promote itself and asked not to be cut. Someone has to make the tough decisions and somethings have to be cut. Libraries and their professional associations have dropped the ball when it comes to giving good solid reasons to invest in libraries. These reasons should have been promoted before the money started to run dry. Let me explain.

First of all, by trying to be everything to everyone, we fail to define ourselves. In the mistaken quest to be like bookstores, video stores, arcades, and computer labs, Libraries have lost their souls. It is not enough for libraries to excel in research and reading, instead excuses are made for why tax dollars should be spent on library programs that will get people into the building. It's almost as if we are conceding that libraries are not worth going to unless we have a gimmick. Any library worth it's salt can bring patrons in with quality materials and good customer service. The definition of a librarian is not they have tattoos, or dress cool or even have green hair. The definition of a librarian is someone who aids in the quest for information and learning. If we entertain during the quest, well that's just icing on the cake.

Secondly, the associations have been preoccupied with other agendas in the library world that are not important. Censorship issues is an example. While it can be agreed that it is important for children and adults get to read the materials they want, it is not a crucial issue in America. In case I have missed it, if one school board bans a book does that mean the title in question is not available for purchase through a bookstore? Or at another library? The books will still be available to the reader at other sources without library associations claiming injustice. If the freedom to read is important, then take up the cause of the blind and physically handicapped who will have their freedom to read restricted when the materials they need to help them read will no longer be available to them.

Third, the trend over the last ten years by library administrators in staffing their libraries with part-time employees is frightening and an admission that the profession is not a necessity in the community. For a profession that is barely able to define itself, this is committing suicide. How are libraries going to attract the next generation of librarians working for a Master's Degree if there is only part-time work available? Becoming a librarian is a profession not a hobby. With this dangerous trend, we are risking losing the bright stars of the future, as well as burning out the stars currently working the field. One has to wonder if this is the beginning of the end of a profession. The Library Journal must believe this is true when they are promoting other job routes for librarians.

Public libraries may become a luxury of the past. If we want to see libraries thrive and grow, then we must take a fresh look at funding, staffing and promoting our cause. Libraries should no longer claim that they are "free". In monetary terms, free is similar to saying no value, no investment. Patrons should know how much it takes to run a library and how it benefits the community. Is now the time that the library would should be considering privately funded or managed libraries? Are there other alternatives in staffing that should get a new look? It seems that a new approach to defining and funding our mission is an important step to take at this time. We need to take a step to secure our future. Taking no actions may result in the profession and libraries suffering a slow a painful death.