Not all librarians are holding their bound books closely to their heart while throwing all Kindles into a burning pit. Librarians at the University of Texas at San Antonio have embraced e-books, e-readers, and e-journals as the major mode of accessing information within the library. In fact, all printed materials have been shipped to a local storage unit. The materials are kept safely, and used only if students insist on adopting the archaic method of accessing information—reading it from a book.
San Antonio’s Associate Dean of Libraries, Krisellen Maloney, feels that books don’t make the library; there are other important factors that make a library a success. “As a shared space for discovery, socializing, and studying, the library is still very much relevant and in demand,” Maloney states, “When people come to the library with books, they’re not necessarily using the books. They’re also there for the services — to consult, get instruction, find content, and use the content.”
Whether one feels that a bookless library is a wonderful step toward the future, or a radical venture that should be avoided, the University of Texas at San Antonio demonstrates that new technology does not make librarians obsolete. Librarians have played an integral role within the education field in the past and will continue to do the same in the future.
Reference:
http://www.insidehighered.com/news/2010/09/17/libraries#ixzz1cuFU7Yec
Diamond
ReplyDeleteI love the way the layout. Nice reference to this article. I love the concept of ereaders by the University of Texas- Antonio. They are stepping out with technology but I love their backup plan of storing the books.
I read this article and one comment struck me most: "As a shared space for discovery, socializing, and studying, the library is still very much relevant and in demand". This comment was in reference to the new system an university adopted where there are no books in the library. Yet, I think this comment is general looks into the future of libraries everywhere. Whether or not libraries choose to have books on shelves, the main goal of libraries of the future should be a space for interaction and learning with multiple tools at the patron's fingertips. This university is so forward thinking because it is focusing its resources on how to help the patrons, not on having materials on shelves.
ReplyDeleteThanks Mary and Stephanie for your comments.
ReplyDeleteI think Mary makes an excellent point. Even if the school librarians are ready to foster a major change, they do need to keep the patrons in mind FIRST. So, having an option for doubtful patrons to use traditional books is a great way to ensure success.
And, yes, that comment struck me, too. It really put that point in perspective-- A library is more than the books it holds. So much more. It really is. Information exchange happens all the time within libraries and most of the time books are not directly involved. So, more libraries can keep this in mind when considering adopting new technology into their libraries.
Definitely interesting and a bold move by San Antonio. @Stephanie, I agree with your comment that it is forward thinking because of their focus on helping patrons rather than stocking the stacks. As many libraries are facing budget shortfalls and uphill millages the focus has to turn to what are people wanting from the libraries today, and these needs are changing. I think there will will always be a place for the reference or information desks but I think the stacks will be downsized in order to make room for programming, media/computers, and more helpful staff. However it seems that most public libraries are downsizing staff at a time when libraries are seeing more foot traffic. Perhaps having more friendly and helpful staff available will increase a community's awareness of the importance/usefulness of their local library.
ReplyDeleteBenjamin Boss
Thanks for that comment Benjamin.
ReplyDeleteI think you are right. Whether we like it or not, there is going to be a shift away from printed materials. I guess we really don't know how large that shift will ultimately be. But, with so much electronic material available, most libraries will not spend so much on keeping the shelves stocked.
There is a very important point you bring out. Reference and information desks will always be needed. It is the responsibility of available staff to ensure the community knows that no matter the format of the books and information, librarians are helpful resources who play an integral part in educating the community.
When this message is clearly understood, we will have a new, stronger foundation to grow on.