Why Is It Important To Encompass Public Libraries In The Digital Age?

For libraries to remain a place for a lively exchange of ideas, librarians should be armed with the right knowledge and strong conviction to preserve people’s rights.

The author starts off with a rhetorical question: “What kind of problem is a library?” urging the readers to think about this question as they continue to read the article. The question grabs the readers’ attention, and intrigues them to read on to find and answer. She further utilizes this technique of rhetorical questions throughout the article for the same purpose of emphasis on the vitality of the role of public libraries. Moreover, Smith extensively employs the use of metaphors and personification. For example, she describes the internet as libraries’ “universal death knell”, which portrays the internet’s negative impact on the development of

Working in any organization where there is lack of help, time, and supplies can be quite challenging for employees and management. This seems to the dilemma that these three reference librarians where having. Within this case study there seems to be frustration with the current working conditions, especially the technological support that is needed. The reference librarians find it challenging to complete their jobs when they have to consistently assist in computer problems, leaving the reference desk unattended.

Because libraries hold information that is easily accessible, libraries should continue making efforts to modernize and stay open since there are local ones everyone can get to. Libraries have been an important part of education since Benjamin Franklin founded the first one in 1731, since they have been able to stay modern all of this time they should continue to modernize and make efforts to be relevant. There is no bad area of a library they are meant to be for the citizens benefit and keep people entertained and informed.

In New on the Job: A School Library Media Specialist’s Guide to Success, Ruth Toor and Hilda Weisburg present a one-stop manual for first-year school library that details numerous aspects of what it means to be a successful school library media specialist. The authors, both of whom are veteran former school librarians, outline everything from the job interview to the last day of school, sharing years of wisdom and practical insight into the ins and outs of the profession. Special attention is paid to developing relationships between the various members of the school population and associated individuals, including students, teachers, administrators, school board members, parents, and volunteers. The authors remind school librarians to keep

The London Public Library is an organization spanning the city of London, delivering services from 16 physical locations. The core services of the library include reference, reader’s advisory and referral; collections and lending; technology services; programming and community outreach. The library is focused on literacy, learning, culture/leisure/recreation, information and community meeting place. The past few years have seen significant resources pegged towards fund raising strategies, resulting in other areas of the organization being neglected and

The decision to promote the library as a “place for everyone” comes from an understanding of the diversity in my community and a strong belief that library resources should be accessible to all, not just a particular demographic. Everyone should feel comfortable in the library, regardless of their background or personal circumstances. Therefore, we as the library have an obligation to create an environment that fosters inclusion and diversity.

The District of Columbia Public Libraries are encouraged to develop information, reference, and directional services consistent with the goals of the community. Meeting the information needs of the community calls for a variety of resources and a broad understanding of the kinds of questions that patrons may need answered. The library must make sure that staff is well equipped with the necessary skill they need to provide good information service. Information can be considered as the raw material used in producing each and every decision taken in an organization. Organizations need to decide regularly on what objectives to be achieved, what actions to take to achieve these objectives, how and when these actions are to be taken, and the resources

Libraries have been around a long time. Almost every town has a library. People do not use libraries in the same ways that people in the past have used them. In many ways, libraries have changed over the last few decades.

Within the library profession, a key component is management.Proper Management is vital for successful libraries.I think library managers must possess qualities of friendliness, vision, approachability, and decisiveness. As a future archivist, of a museum or school library like Shepard Library, I would want to be a leader that embodies these qualities. Along with great qualities, I would need to master skills such as problem-solving, and finance skills to become a true leader. In my experience with my employees I have gained and developed my management style.In this essay, I will discuss my personal philosophy of library management by detailing my learning style, strategies for improvement, development, as well as my learning process.

In the 21st century, collections and services will need to meet customer's needs in a much more personalized and customized way. Collections will need to become more diverse, in terms of format, language, and access. Librarians will need to have knowledge of new formats for library materials, and plan to use their funds in purchasing materials that will meet and promote various skills. Customers will want library materials that use their critical thinking and problem solving skills, promote creativity and innovation, allow for communication and collaboration, and teach information, media and technology skills. Library materials, that are accessible 24/7, in a range of cutting edge formats, that promote and support learning and using new skill sets, will be the norm. Library services, like library materials, will need to be accessible 24/7 in a 21st Century library. Librarians will need to think about services as customer-centered and focused. Reference services in the 21st century will not be based on the librarian's knowledge and access to information, but the customer's starting point. 21st century customers are coming to librarians, not for answers to questions, but for new access points, or new skill sets. Children's and Teen services will need to incorporate skills for the 21st Century, including critical thinking, innovation, collaboration, information and technological literacy. The expectation will be that library

Since their establishment, libraries have served as a gateway to knowledge and services that revolutionized the way the public attains information. Unlike many other institutions, public libraries have grown and evolved along with society by adopting new technology and offering resources tailored to the needs of their local community.

Recent leadership changes and budget cuts have created a period of organizational crisis in the library, albeit a crisis put into perspective in comparison to the Great Chicago Fire. This situation has meant that many important priorities, like updating the mission, vision, and values statements of the organization have been ignored in lieu of seemingly more pressing issues. The old mission statement of the CPL is not even easily discoverable on the new organizational website.

Being a librarian and one who has always “had a fascination with gadgets” (Hanson, 2011), and a passion for both information and technology, Hanson states he has been working for five years to find a better way to join technology and information. He notes “libraries and librarians have perceived themselves as subject to near-constant technological upheaval and information revolution, largely due to the rise of microcomputing, desktop computing and Internet connectivity.” (Hanson, 2011) He believes libraries are situated in a place to encourage libraries to provide mobile library services. With nearly all Americans owning cell phones, accessing the internet via their cell phones and tablets and major service providers focusing on mobile applications instead of applications for the PC, Hanson suggests it is time for libraries to also focus their efforts on providing mobile services.

The current service model employed by the Library includes limited technology-driven services and is primarily based around a reference desk staffed by information professionals during opening hours. However, due to the information and communications technology (ICT) revolution of the last few decades and the resulting ease with which users are able access information and services via the Internet, the Library is being confronted with swiftly changing behaviours and expectations from their users - as a result Curtin’s traditional services are no longer fulfilling the various users needs. To prove its ongoing usefulness and relevance to their users, the Library must redesign its services by embracing technology and Web 2.0 techniques, redesigning face-to-face services,