The Future of Public Libraries from InfoCommuner
Ok, ok, I work with (and actually for) Tim Rogers aka InfoCommuner, but that is entirely by choice. It is because of him that I returned to the library world in the first place, and after reading this post, you'll understand why. Everyone should be so lucky to work with someone with vision, energy, and brains. (And no, he doesn't pay me to promote him--plus, we're a public library--we're in it for the glory, not the money ; )
I love this post on the Future of Public Libraries. Here's just a snippet, but you'll be happy that you read the whole post.
"It’s not just about hooking folks up with the printed page anymore ... there is too much value out there in experiences and emotions and conversations that just can’t be transmitted through the old paradigm of library work. Interaction creates the connection that will drive the next generations, and libraries need to be a part of that.The last chunk ... engagement that changes lives and builds community ... to me, this is the holy grail. It’s the stuff that allows us to move past learning, past understanding and into real action. On this plane, the library takes a central role a facilitator for community change and public good. It will occur on a personal level as well as across neighborhoods, cities, and counties. The library will not simply be the building, the collection, the technology, and the staff working to achieve something good and valuable for the community ... Instead, it will be all of those things plus community volunteers, civic leaders, educators, healthcare providers, business leaders, and of course library patrons. It will be all of these folks together working through the one perfect partner for community well-being, the public library."
I love this post on the Future of Public Libraries. Here's just a snippet, but you'll be happy that you read the whole post.
"It’s not just about hooking folks up with the printed page anymore ... there is too much value out there in experiences and emotions and conversations that just can’t be transmitted through the old paradigm of library work. Interaction creates the connection that will drive the next generations, and libraries need to be a part of that.The last chunk ... engagement that changes lives and builds community ... to me, this is the holy grail. It’s the stuff that allows us to move past learning, past understanding and into real action. On this plane, the library takes a central role a facilitator for community change and public good. It will occur on a personal level as well as across neighborhoods, cities, and counties. The library will not simply be the building, the collection, the technology, and the staff working to achieve something good and valuable for the community ... Instead, it will be all of those things plus community volunteers, civic leaders, educators, healthcare providers, business leaders, and of course library patrons. It will be all of these folks together working through the one perfect partner for community well-being, the public library."
2 Comments:
Thanks for the mention ... it's no Cap'n Ahab and the white whale, but I appreciate the great PR.
I'd have to concur. After all, meeting my wife online, getting support from messageboards (and getting free car parts, and figuring out how to print the names in a distribution group from the global addressbook outlook isn't something you can find on the shelf, in a database, or even down the street.
Communication, awareness, and a little computer nerdage never hurt anyone.
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