Tomorrow's Library: Discussion Paper.

The third article I am reviewing is Tomorrow's Library: Discussion Paper.

  

Tomorrow's Library facebook page is available here

  

This discussion paper has been created to ensure that Victoria’s libraries are an asset to the community.  The Minister for local government has created an Advisory council and is calling on the community to have their say on the requirements of the state’s public libraries.  The minister wants public libraries to keep abreast of information technology and have the states public libraries offer the community the services they require into the future. This paper is part of a community review of the public library system, part of a consultative process with the public to examine library requirements: it is the first stage to creating libraries that address the community’s needs in relation to emerging technologies.

The paper examines the changing role of the library and believing the patrons offer a unique insight into community needs, their opinions are sought in creating library services for the future. Libraries are inclusive of many diverse groups and the many services offered and the use of library buildings are being examined in order to provide a balance of lifelong learning, information literacy together with traditional library activities. 

The discussion paper explains what is currently on offer in public libraries and identifies areas that can be improved. It is presented clearly and concisely and is easy to read and understand for those outside the library. I believe the format is consistent with its purpose, namely to invite comment and discussion. The paper looks at what libraries have offered in the past and aims to equip libraries for the future needs of our society. The questions it poses are designed to generate feedback and hopefully this will have a positive impact, bringing together many new ideas.

I liked the style of this discussion paper: it looked inviting with the bright cover and was   clearly written and easy to follow. The questions it posed were interesting and created thought. I found the headings clear for each aspect of library service and the points covered were logical. This style could limit some who like to think ‘outside the box’ however it would lead to ideas that would feasibly be implemented in a public library. Because of its light style I think a member of the public would read it and be happy to contribute: it wasn’t officious and off putting.  The suggestions the paper contained were along similar lines to those expressed by Emery and Stone supporting the concept of libraries evolving over time to best fill the needs of the community. Their model for patron driven acquisition is one area public libraries could explore. As is planning which databases would be worthwhile purchasing in different demographics and which are sustainable with the budgetary constraints of a public library (Emery & Stone 2013).

 

Seadle ‘s argument that ‘libraries are not obsolete but need to redefine their role’ in the digital age is the reason for discussion papers such as this. His ideas of gaming in libraries, use of social media and e books are services to be integrated into public libraries as libraries adapt to digital information (Seadle, 2012). New technology such as electronic reading devices, i pods, i pads, smart phones etc have changed how library services are accessed and suggestions to integrate these technologies is needed. This paper hasn’t mentioned privacy and security of information which is an important factor with the public linking to databases and other digital information. According to Houghton and Berryman this management of the rights of information is an increasingly challenging area for libraries and access and privacy are vital omissions to this discussion paper (Houghton and Berryman, 2007).Obviously with more digital component in collections secure access is an important consideration.

The focus on the library buildings is valuable because many library buildings are dated and aren’t compliant with new access regulations; this needs to be rectified. The focus on the collections, services and challenges faced by public libraries is timely however and this paper is a positive step to reinvigorating public library services for the future. This paper presents an invitation to the public to have input in creating the library they require; one which will service their needs in a digital age.

I also like the slogan.

your voice. shaping the future.

 

                                                                                                                          

All photographs taken

by Rosemary Archondakis
 

References

 

Emery,J. And Stone, G. (2013).Techniques for electronic resource Management, Library Technology Reports. retrieved from    http://www.alatechsource.org/ltr/index

Ministerial Advisory Council on Public Libraries (2012). Tomorrow's Library: Discussion Paper. State Government of Victoria. Retrieved from http://www.plvn.net.au/sites/default/files/TLTD002_Tomorrow's Library Discussion Paper final web.pdf

Seadle, M. (2012). Thirty years of information technology. Library High Tech , 30 (4),557-564.

Houghton, J. and Berryman, J. (2007). Ethics and law for information practice. Libraries in the twenty-first century. S. Ferguson (Ed.). Centre for Information Studies, CSU: Wagga Wagga.