Part of the Degen Librarian ethos is the ability to shake current library trends and see what could be in the library world. I want to take a serious look at some trends I see as likely, and hopefully, coming down the line in the library world. My goal is to avoid the obvious without a some different perspective.
Hard facts are libraries have been closed for extended periods of time and been limited in services when open most of 2020 and 2021. Fully operating libraries, the ones with solid leadership, have taken the right steps to minimize service interruptions and maximize what is available. How have they done this? They've been creative. They've gone online, in small safe groups, and carry home. Loyal patrons have adapted, and maybe patronship is extended to new places with digital services being highlighted. In doing so, these forward thinking libraries have already started the shift to the new ways AND put into motion the notion that the physical library does not have to be open ALL the time to access the library. Those that haven't are rushing to reopen, likely without their staff vaccinated, worrying about small details of plans that will never be put into place and complaining that no one is coming to the library.
"But what about funding? We have to be open to be funded!"
Of that's your answer you're part of the problem not the solution. On two fronts, this is bunk. First, if library patrons can access library services (like Hoopla, Ancestry.Com), doesn't that mean the library is open? Good libraries have been doing this for a while, better libraries did this before the pandemic. Taking this to library boards, and county governments shouldn't be hard. If a board does not see this paradigm shift, then they'll keep pouring water into the river. Secondly, if libraries are 24/7 and they'll need money to operate on that sort of scale. Video equipment, online resources, dependable internet, and maybe even a 24/7 branch like the one in Roanoke, VA are going to replace paper, pencils, and glue. Programs will need money, just for different things.
"So if the library isn't open, how is it go to function?" If a library board member or county government is having to ask this, leadership has NOT been doing their jobs. It should be obvious from your webpage, social media, and your staff what the library is doing. There are libraries across the country that I see in my social media feed because they have taken action, and are promoting themselves. Furthermore, if your powers that be don't recognize that all the traditional numbers are going to be lower, they need that explained ASAP. Your leadership SHOULD have already done that but I'm sure that's not always the case. Measures like Facebook comments, link clicks, Instagram likes, and virtual book club attendance should be replacing old measures of production.
Libraries don't have be be sitting empty at 9 on Wednesday nights, 4:30 on Sundays or any other time for that matter. They can be full online all the time, and I hope librarians and those in power are able to see that. We're at a point in time where the whole paradigm is shifting. Those who are prepared or preparing will reap the benefits. Libraries need to be training their patrons to go online and adjusting their in person services. A global pandemic SHOULD make it pretty clear that things need to change. Sure we should always be open to access books, other print materials and free internet, but there are lots of ways to get away from the savior complex we have about being open for that one patron who can't comprehend the world has changed. And just because the library doors are not open, doesn't mean it is not open. With all this said, I truly hope we can get away from this mentality. We've too long tried to stay open for that one patron and our long (often unhealthy) hours have started to wear out those most needed in the profession. Which I will talk about in my next post
Comments
Post a Comment