Today I joined a Facebook group called Pennsylvania’s 5.6 Million Library Cardholders Can’t Be Wrong. I was motivated to join because I have been thinking about the whole conversation occurring around libraries in general, and funding of them specifically.
Back in March I read an article that really questioned the relevancy of libraries in the digital age. The article raised many issues about the future of libraries as more and more content is digitized and as increasing number of people do not have to leave home to receive that content.
I believe that libraries are addressing these issues as well as helping to bridge the existing digital divide so that those who can not afford or do not have access to a computer can access on-line resources (you only have to watch the nightly news to see a story of an unemployed person using a library computer to find a job). Despite the need for this public resource, they are under a financial attack.
Straining state and local budgets are putting substantial pressure on library budgets resulting in cuts in hours, programs and resources. The current conversation is being framed in an era of reduced funding, and how state and local governments allocate their limited resources. Unfortunately, the current answer is that libraries are not a priority at the state level, with a mixed response at the local level.
Today, what motivated me to join the group were three articles I saw this morning that both described the pain libraries are experiencing as a result of these cuts, and one article that pointed out the important roles that they have played for so many of us. I felt that I needed to share these articles with others who might be of a like mind, so I searched for an appropriate Facebook page.
Interestingly, this group page was not easy to find. I did not find it through a search on Facebook, but I was able to find it by going to the Pennsylvania Library Association web site. Even there it was not easy because the link is in a rotating image. But having found it I was happy to see that the group had over 3,200 members, and I posted the three articles after joining.
I have a few suggestions for the group, the association, and libraries in general. First, the association should create an association Facebook page, and encourage it’s member libraries to establish their own (many already do). This would provide the association with an important social media platform to support its existing advocacy campaign (roughly one out of every three Americans are on Facebook). Second, this page could push content to the member pages and the group page supporting the association’s advocacy efforts. Third, the resulting growth in the community would provide the grass roots support that will be necessary at both the state and local level to preserve and protect an important and valuable community asset. Last, the conversation that these pages will create will educate and inform stakeholders, influencer’s and the public.
What thoughts do you have to protect our libraries in the digital age?
Dave said:
We did some thinking around this recently with the Society of Chief Librarians in the UK. I'm not saying there are a bunch of answers here, but it's more food for thought that may help you as you try to refine your approach. Be happy to discuss in further detail if it's helpful?
We recorded a webcast of the recommendations (and also the entire event) you can find them here:
http://www.theenvisioners.com/index.php/2010/07/01/the-future-of-public-libraries-2/
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Fri, 2010-07-23 06:44 — DaveWilco Sinnema said:
A social media strategy alone will not take away financial troubles for libraries. Libraries have to reconsider their overall strategy. The big question in defining such a strategy will be whether there really will be a public need for libraries in the near future. To me, that need will not be facilitating access to on-line resources. That is a service which can be provided by internet cafes or their successors.
I think libraries should explore strategies on facilitating access to information, providing custom information services to customers, and handling the information overload everyone has to deal with these days. With access I do not mean, serving internet connections or other electronic services. Access is about an intelligent roadmap to information, providing specific information, usefull for a customer. And yes, keeping thousands and thousands of books in stock is not a necessay mean for that, but will maybe stay as a kind of extra service, providing direct information after resolving the specific information need of a customer.
To me, protecting libraries is not the right approach in dealing with the challenges provided by social media. Rethinking the need of public libraries is. In defining an overall strategy, libraries have to determine how to add value, considering their specific librarian competences. A social media strategy can be a part of such a strategy.
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Fri, 2010-07-23 05:04 — Wilco SinnemaLaMamaLoli said:
I agree that libraries do need to address this issue, but some libraries already are. I live in the UK, use the Westminster Libraries which are at the heart of London. Aswell as having a website which is updated regularly to promote events and new information services which become available, they also tweet and use facebook to interact with people. I believe there will also be a blog starting shortly as well. They have the online presence, they are now trying to coordinate it and actually plan their activity rather than reacting to these new ways of communicating. It may take them a while to get it right but I have no doubt they will get there. They are also facing extreme cuts which seems ironic when it is times like these when they are most needed and used, and as usual it is the poorest who will be affected. What they don't have is the sort of facebook page it sounds you were after which would be a kind of protest page where people join to support and speak against the cuts. However, I don't think that kind of page should be created by the library, it would carry more weight if it was started by a customer. Anyway, just my two pennies worth! I love libraries and get quite het up about the whole subject!!!
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Thu, 2010-07-22 13:19 — LaMamaLoliPost new comment