As recently written on Ken Haycock’s blog:
Everyone working in libraries, and members of the public, know that something is amiss in libraries… Our brand has traditionally been books, and with the e-book revolution everyone is scrambling to find the next trend in libraries to ensure our continued legitimacy and relevancy – to ourselves, funders and members of the public. Library staff and senior management are presenting various exciting approaches, visions and directions that libraries can take to address rapid changes and perceptions of the role of the library.
Library staff in various library contexts are proactively responding to this challenge. However, as identified and addressed through Open to All (1999) and Working Together (2008) – a major challenge which still exists in most libraries is moving beyond insular librarian based discussion about need and refocusing the profession on developing skills that will allow librarians to collaboratively identify and respond to the needs of community members – many of whom are considered underserved and under-represented by library services. By making library services more inclusive and accessible we improve library services for all community members.
In response we (John and Ken) have written a new book Developing Community-Led Public Libraries: Evidence from the UK and Canada (2013). A recent review of the book by Liz McGettigan, Head of Libraries and Information Services – The City of Edinburgh Council (found at http://www.referplus.org.uk/) summarizes some of the key points:
This book could easily have been subtitled ”Leadership in Public Libraries” as it calls for “public libraries to demonstrate their worth to policy makers, funders and the general public”. The thinking fills a clear gap on the future of public libraries and the role staff, library schools and politicians must play… It is unusual and very refreshing that ICT and the role of new technology in tackling social exclusion is discussed but not seen as the only key to our public library future. Challenging on all aspects of service delivery yet at the same time offering clear guide to placing community needs at the heart of public library strategy, structures, systems and organisational culture.
Well-written by respected practitioners, clear and sound evidence based with excellent bibliographic references it is a must read for those floundering with an elevator pitch or strategy for the future of their library services. It should open a dialogue with library schools and be compulsory reading for library students.
It must stimulate further dialogue and conferencing with new stakeholders outwith library service, public leaders and staff. More importantly it must be used somehow to influence national politicians and library portfolio holding local politicians.
Our best.
John Pateman and Ken Williment