This week our focus comes from The vulgar modernisaton of libraries – a piece from Chris Saliba on the ABC’s Unleashed, which bemoans the changes in libraries (his focus being mainly public and the State Library of Queensland). “Libraries were for reading and contemplation. But all of that is out the window as libraries now offer a multi-media extravaganza.” It is well worth reading the article, if you haven’t done so already and the 25 pages of comments that go with it.
From my experiences working in a public library, this is a regular reaction we get to new things we introduce. Most recently, we got this reaction when we introduced gaming consoles into the library. Before that, it was DVDs, and then going back further, the Internet and even further back, paperback romances of all things.
However, there have been things happening in public libraries too that have not always been for the best or for which great debate has raged for ages. Overdue fines is one of the more controversial. So despite trends and public opinion, libraries don’t always get it right.
How do you see whats happening in libraries? Is reading “out the window” as Saliba puts it? Should CDs and DVDs …”representation on library shelves.. be kept to a minimum”? Where do libraries “stand in relation to the technology”? “Does access to Facebook really belong inside a library”? Not according to Saliba.
I would love to hear your thoughts on these questions and others that are raised through this article and the many comments on it. I know not everything introduced into libraries is supported by all library staff, from both personal and professional experience. Is there something appearing in libraries that you don’t agree with? If so, what and why?
Is this the way that libraries should be heading – yes or no – why? And if not, which way should libraries be heading? The future of libraries is uncertain and should be in all our thoughts. If you’re not thinking about that yet, its best to start doing so now.
Michelle
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May 11, 2009 at 09:43
Where did the comments go? Web 2.0 fail, ABC!
May 11, 2009 at 10:52
My newest public library has plenty of workstations with free Internet access. Browsing most sites is allowed but for some reason that completely escapes me you are not allowed to access gmail.com! Anyone know the answer? Does this happen in places other than the Gold Coast?
May 11, 2009 at 13:00
I work in an academic library, but I am a member of a whole bunch of public libraries in Sydney. I use the DVD collections extensively, the books rather less and the internet and gaming not at all. In a spirit of inclusivity, I think all of these things have a role to play and libraries should provide access to them, but that quiet reading rooms should also be provided for serious study.
Blocking gmail is just plain odd.
May 11, 2009 at 14:29
I think Chris makes an excellent point about libraries, but he doesn’t go far enough really: the worst thing that ever happened to us was Johannes Gutenberg’s movable type printing. If we could just wind back everything to say, 1430, it would all be a nice safe quiet environment suitable for nice safe quiet people like Chris.
No whirring: no buzz, click, furtang; no flashing lights; no noise; no people; no life; etc.
May 11, 2009 at 18:19
I think of a library as a centre for gathering information, where the friendly staff can help me find information which is reliable. Regardless of the medium.
As for fiction collections and internet access, a library is also a community service which provides connection to the greater community and access to books. All three functions are important.
May 13, 2009 at 12:50
As a manager in a library service that provides all of the above mentioned by Michelle, I have found that the initial “outrage” from both the public and staff is almost essential to eventual acceptance and embracing of change. Once there is something new to vent about, they move on and you very rarely get anymore comments – except possibly from people who haven’t stepped foot in a library since high school.
Libraries are obviously changing, some moving away from Dewey and moving more into what our users say they want and less about how we want it to be – but we change, vent and then accept and move onto the next big thing. It is an exciting place to be for sure.
June 9, 2009 at 13:00
There’s no reason why books and computers can’t live together. Theres an homework help programme for students in the library, my kids use it online at home and still have ‘reading time’ before bed. One doesn’t cancel out the other. Surely the more benefits the better?