tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3418389893792505863.post6125335959223157558..comments2020-10-12T00:47:11.935-07:00Comments on Betty's Video Book Blog: Public librariesBettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05273197303327281147noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3418389893792505863.post-54051519920331150442015-06-19T11:23:36.439-07:002015-06-19T11:23:36.439-07:00Very interesting thoughts indeed. We have had a g...Very interesting thoughts indeed. We have had a great deal of discussion about this in my classes. I wrote a paper about a library in the engineering department of a university in the States a few years ago. The library had completely run out of room because of all the journals they needed to stock for the students. So when the old building ran out of space, they built a new building, 1/3 of the size of the original! They decided to make their library mainly digital, allowing students access to the journals on mobile devices instead of print copies. Their need for storage space decreased, they put in a few computer stations, study areas and the few print materials that wouldn't be constantly changing and updating. It was a bold move, but one that is sure to be followed by many other libraries in the coming years.<br /><br />My teachers say that a librarian will always be better than Google, but I'm not sure that will always be the case. It pains me to say that because reference work is where I'd like to end up, but is it a dying field??? Can library users do so much research themselves that the librarians will be superfluous? So, how do libraries stay current? <br /><br />You've listed some great examples of what is happening in your branch. The Ottawa Library system is also very forward-thinking in their approach. They have started a bike borrowing program, study groups for teens and I just heard an advertisement on the radio for a pet therapy program some branches are offering for high school students on exams. They're bringing animals into the library to give the students a break from the stress. It's brilliant!<br /><br />Also, here in Ottawa many of the branches are located in community centres which helps automatically build bridges. We pop into the library after swimming or skating lessons. <br /><br />Libraries seem to be doing a great job so far of staying current with technology (our branch also has a 3D printing program) and keeping themselves relevant in these changing times. It is my hope, as I prepare for a mid-life career change into this field, that libraries have a long and exciting future ahead of them. Maybe I won't be doing the research I had hoped for in the way I originally thought, but I believe I can still be a great help to library users wherever I end up. <br /><br />Whew, that was a long post! Maybe you'll be sorry you asked for my thoughts. ;)<br />Sue Matthewshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13519504490810723846noreply@blogger.com