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Last week I had an interesting Twitter conversation regarding a popular rhetorical strategy surrounding maker-spaces, New Librarianship, participatory culture, and the other assorted "big ideas" for the future of libraries." "The common thread and the favored tactic in the literature surrounding libraries and maker-spaces is to draw a sharp distinction between the consumption of knowledge and the creation of knowledge. By ‘knowledge consumption’ most writers seem to mean reading; by ‘knowledge creation’ most seem to mean hacking, tinkering, building, making, or collaborating. And the way the conversation is being shaped by this rhetoric, it’s clear that knowledge consumption is old and in the way and what we really need is to forge ahead into a bright future of knowledge creation. Yes, some librarians make the case that we need both creation and consumption (e.g., “…in addition to knowledge consumption”), but the rhetorical device is still in play: knowledge can be either consumed or created, and the library of the future is weighted towards creation."
Countless gorgeous libraries have appeared on screens large and small (if only there were set designers in all of our homes), whether old and dusty, shiny and modern, underground, filled with water, or, um, animated. After the jump, 20 of the most beautiful libraries on film and television. If you don’t see your favorite here, be sure to add it to the list in the comments.
by Leigh Bunton Libraries and information professionals have been adapting to the impact of online resources for some time now. In my own academic library, we have a Mobile Technology Group to monitor developing trends and ensure that staff are equipped to create, access and advise upon anything from Blogs and Instant Messaging; QR codes, Wikis and RFID, to Smart phones and the mobile version of the library website. There is still a physical connection with our users, however, with a campus full of students attending lectures, accessing online resources provided by the library, receiving research advice, making enquiries at service desks, borrowing books and filling every library space when exams and deadlines loom.
A look at how America's central libraries are struggling to adapt their forms and functions to a rapidly changing world (RT @WSJ: The future of libraries isn't an open book. By JULIE V. IOVINE: "The relevance of these gloriously inflated book boxes is being questioned in an age that looks to the Internet for its intellectual resources."
NEWS: Free online learning courses available from Slough Libraries http://t.co/zb1UqFLtaI These exciting new learning packages, known as Universal Class and Transparent Language Courses, provides members of Slough Libraries access to over 350 online courses and 80 foreign language courses free of charge. The courses are available online 24 hours a day, so fit well into busy schedules, whether that’s college, work, childcare, or a combination of the three. Universal Class offers a fantastic range of topics, from hobbies to technology, business skills to health. As the courses are free, there’s no risk – members can try something they’ve always wanted to, or something they’ve never thought of. Members can register for up to five courses at once, and there’s no commitment on a course if you change your mind.
By Maureen Sullivan Libraries are laboratories for deep learning The increasingly digital context brings challenges and opportunities for librarians, library staff, archivists, and museum professionals. New roles and the competencies required to perform them are evolving. One overriding role for all of us is that of the leader. The complexity of the changes we experience leads to many unfamiliar situations in which deep learning is necessary to successfully work through the problems and challenges. Scholar Warren Bennis calls these “crucible” experiences.
direct link to pdf http://t.co/DOHgXo6AJY http://t.co/qfAPVaEJgx Catherine Sassen & Diane Wahl Abstract: "This study concerns administrative support provided to encourage the research and publishing activities of academic librarians working in Association of Research Libraries member libraries. Deans and directors of these libraries were asked to respond to an online survey concerning the support measures that their libraries provide, as well as their thoughts on support measures that academic libraries should provide. When compared to earlier studies, the survey results indicate
that most support measures have grown over time. Results also suggest increases in the requirements for publication in academic libraries, as well as in the number of libraries at which librarians have faculty status."
Here are some images from numerous resources that typify something unexpected in a library. They draw attention to libraries and open up the idea of "library" to new understanding and new customers...
With the rise of online resources, public libraries are facing the challenge of having to adapt in order to remain engaging in their communities. Take a look at this infographic to see how they are making their mark in the digital age. 'This infographic examines the current use of public libraries and challenges to their preeminence as providers (and symbols) of knowledge."
Via Luca Baptista, Michelle Bourque, Robin Illsley
Catherine Armitage: The State Librarian of NSW, Alex Byrne, says librarians no longer expect or want libraries to be places of quiet solitude. Rather than walking around saying ''shhh'' and waving their steel rulers to enforce silence, he said contemporary librarians understand that ''using information, learning and reading are not just solitary activities''. ''We have quiet places in the library for people who want to concentrate but we don't insist on quiet libraries. That is because we realise it is a social activity'', Dr Byrne said. In navigating the complex new world of information overload, people don't just read books any more. They interact with information, and with each other to make sense of it. Thanks to the public library's role as a gateway to e-government services, a librarian today is as likely to help you apply online for a parking permit or submit a legal form digitally as find you a book. They are the ''third space, not business, not the home but a third and neutral working space'', said Dr Byrne: ''We like to think it is a mall of ideas and knowledge.'' Silence is not so golden in the modern library... Librarians no longer expect or want libraries to be places of quiet solitude. Rather than walking around saying ''shhh'' and waving their steel rulers to enforce silence, he said contemporary librarians understand that ''using information, learning and reading are not just solitary activities''.
Via Leanne Windsor, Anjan Das
By Emily Temple: "Librarians, in case you hadn't heard, are essential members of society -- likely to expand minds wherever they go -- and, as such, are fully worthy of hero worship..."
Since late 2011, when the Fayetteville Public Library received widespread media attention for its hackerspace, 3D printers slowly began appearing in libraries around the world, particularly in the United States.
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The concept of a library is going to be re-invented in Texas with the launch of a public library with digital rather than printed books. Discussion from various quarters about the concept of paperless libraries!
HYPERLINKED LIBRARY MOOC What emerging trends are changing library services? What does the connected world of "continuous computing" mean for 21st Century libraries? The Hyperlinked Library MOOC offered by the School of Library and Information Science at San José State University provides a roadmap toward becoming a participatory, interactive, user-centered library. The Hyperlinked Library MOOC is a professional development opportunity designed for information professionals and those interested in the topic. The MOOC is not offered for academic credit. SJSU SLIS graduate students who participate in the MOOC will not receive credit toward their master's degrees. Course description here: http://slisweb.sjsu.edu/programs/moocs/hyperlinked-library-mooc?goback=%2Egna_2747909%2Egde_2747909_member_225190881
James Bridle: New venture Librii is seeking to set up self-sustaining libraries with internet access in poor and isolated communities. A decade ago, Brewster Kahle, philanthropist and founder of the Internet Archive, created the first digital bookmobile: a complete printing press in the back of a car. With a power source, satellite internet connection, printer and binder, the vehicle and its descendants subsequently printed thousands of public-domain books where they were needed most, such as in rural areas without internet connection, including schools and refugee camps across Africa. In 2003, it was estimated that less than 1% of Africa's population had access to the internet. Since then, that figure has grown to just 15%. Private companies have been laying high-speed cables along the coasts, but it's slow to make progress inland: even where access is available, it is often low speed and unconnected to the facilities on the ground needed to make the most of it, particularly for education. (The vast majority of people in Africa who do access the internet do so via mobile phone.)
Real life accounts from library patrons whose lives have been changed for the better by libraries. Libraries Changed My Life (LCML) is the brainchild of two librarians from two parts of the country. Ingrid is a children’s and teen librarian from New York City. Natalie is a systems librarian from rural Florida. Together we’re hoping to create a place where people can tell their library stories, and those who are questioning the value of libraries can see their amazing impact. LCML is an independent, grassroots movement to spread library love across the country. Why we’re here:
Libraries are valuable—and valued. In addition to traditional services like book lending, research help and children’s programs (still the services Americans value most), libraries offer free wifi, technology training, free or low-cost public meeting spaces, affordable printing, access to music and the arts, and other services our neighborhoods need.
By Gary price: Report: Further Investigation into 3D Printing/3D Scanning at Dalhousie U. Libraries: Case Study http://t.co/sUAbligoso via @infodocket This paper will describe the author’s (Michael Groenendyk) own process in building and cataloging a collection of 3D models on the DalSpace servers at the Dalhousie University Libraries. This paper will then explore other methods for delivering 3D model content to library patrons, including 3D holograph and WebGL technologies. Following this 3D model repository discussion, this paper will describe how 3D printing technology, implemented as a service at the Dalhousie University Libraries in March of 2012, was used to deliver 3D model content to library patrons; the challenges faced in delivering this service; how this service was used; and finally how successful, overall, this service was.
Kim Tairi is the Associate Director, Information Management at Swinburne University. She loves her mobile. It has changed the way she works. Professional sharing and connecting is easier. Google her to find out more.
THINKING POINTS: How could your library use photographs to promote library services, events and activities?Does your library Twitter account use Instaweather to provide a daily update?Do you have a permission form available so that when you take photographs of clients or events you have their agreement for those images to be used and shared online?How easy is it for clients to contribute digital photographs to your library collection (eg. local history)?Could you use photography in library programming (eg. how-to classes or competitions)?The Getty Museum celebrates the Instagram photographs taken by museum visitors by adding them to their Insta-Getty Pinterest board
By Nancy Dowd: This is the fourth in a series of articles in which Nancy Dowd will examine the results of an exclusive survey of library professionals from more than 400 public libraries across the U.S. on public library marketing. The survey was sponsored by the NoveList division of EBSCO Publishing
"If there are over 1 billion people on Facebook and the Twitterverse can help topple governments, then it only makes sense that libraries would also be using these two social media channels to connect with their communities, right? Well yes and no. Libraries are using social media, that’s clear. According to Library Journal’s Survey on Public Library Marketing Methods and Best Practices, 86 percent of libraries said they were using social media. The top two social media platforms used by libraries were Facebook (99 percent) and Twitter (56 percent). Pinterest is making some gains, with 30 percent of libraries reporting that they are pinning. The problem is that 48 percent of libraries surveyed said they weren’t measuring their efforts at all. While the survey didn’t ask if libraries are getting fans to interact with them, most libraries I have spoken with lately have said they were still struggling with that." [...] Social media is not going away. As new platforms emerge, libraries will need to choose the channels that work for their communities. But whatever platforms they choose, they must have some kind of plan that outlines their goals and embrace philosophies that support interactivity with their communities. I think Bizzle summed it up best, “Successful libraries will determine what platforms most effectively reach their target audience and aggressively build sustainable presences there.”
Among the more recognized and often repeated findings emerging from Ithaka S & R’s faculty research studies, including the recent 2012 report, is the revelation that faculty primarily perceive the academic library as their purchasing agent. [...] Four levels of user experience (column titled “Building Customer Communities is the Key to Creating Value“) and how to get there:
1. In Level One the organization is perceived by its customers as simply the supplier of some commodity 2. A Level Two experience would represent an improvement for librarians because it moves beyond content to a state where community members believe you help them accomplish something, but it’s more than just basic productivity. 3. At Level Three there is more engagement, emotional connection and relationship building. 4. the library achieves platform status.
By Lois M. Collins: Parents value libraries as a safe place for children, a source of education and entertainment, a tech hub. They feel great affection for a library's ability to instill a love of reading in young minds, too, according to a new survey by the Pew Research Center's Internet and American Life project. In fact, 94 percent of parents say libraries are important for their children and 79 percent say "very important," according to the survey of 2,252 Americans 16 and older conducted last fall, including 584 interviews with parents of minor children. "Parents" in the results refers only to those children younger than 18. The survey found that among all adults, parents are more likely to have library cards, visit the library, use the library website and participate in programs there, said Lee Rainie, who directs the Internet and American Life Project for Pew.
The LIBER E-Science working group has published its final report on research data management. LIBER installed the ‘E-Science working group’ in 2010 to investigate the role libraries can and should play in the field of E-Science. The group decided to focus on research data as it was felt to be the most urgent element of e-science that is of relevance to the community of (research) libraries. The group has held three workshops, the first dur-ing the LIBER-conference 2011 in Barcelona, the second during the IDCC 2011 conference in Bristol and the third and last one during the LIBER-conference 2012 in Tartu. The results of the first two workshops were used as a basis for compiling recommendations to the LIBER-community. The “10 recommendations for libraries to support re-search data management” were finalized and prioritized during the final workshop at the LIBER-conference in Tartu. Full Report: http://bit.ly/NKMXiO
By David Brooks: Why would your local library, a symbol of print-on-paper respectability, embrace open-source software, a symbol of the digital world’s most anti-establishment streak? Money, mostly. Open-source software, which can be used and tweaked by anybody and which carries no corporate charges, is reasonably close to being free. But that’s the only reason, say some area librarians who are about to switch circulation, acquisitions, Web development, and other functions to one of two major open-source systems for libraries, called Evergreen and Koha. “With proprietary (software), if you want an enhancement, a new feature, you’ll have to wait until demand builds for it. With Evergreen and Koha, you have access to a developer network worldwide that can work on it,” said Charlie Matthews, director of the Rodgers Library in Hudson. It is about to switch to Evergreen, originally developed for the Georgia state library system.
By Emily Temple:
...check out 20 wonderful outdoor book depositories, and add any of your missing favorites in the comments."
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