Library's as a Place
On Wednesday April 25, I received four similar e-mails in about a 60 minute span. The e-mails were about a recent article by the Project for Public Spaces. The article was distributed via their electronic newsletter and titled - Libraries That Matter: Reaching beyond the buzz of high design, libraries are redefining themselves as community centers for the 21st Century. Go here to read the text: Article.
In a couple of e-mails, folks pointed to jamboread!, the Woodruff reading park, and the Headquarters' bike/skateboard rack as examples of public spaces and destinations.
It is hard to look into the crystal ball and see the future. For those who say they know the future of libraries...well, they really don't. It's true...they just don't. I believe that "access" is the key. But even that creates problems. What does access even mean? Access in its purest sense could mean throwing books on a table in the lobby of the library. Maybe it is "meaningful" access. How do we provide meaningful access to information? Is it through self-checkout and downloadable media? Or is it through interpersonal relationships and human connection? Can technology and human relationships co-exist? Well...yes, of course they can. We are more connected now than ever. Maybe it is the quality of the connection.
It is interesting to read the article. Yes, technology plays a role, but is it technology or is it through human interaction that libraries become a public space? Why were jamboread!, the Woodruff Reading Park, and the bike/skateboard rack mentioned in previous e-mails? I don't know, but I believe they were mentioned because they provide a conduit for people to interact. This discussion is interesting, because it forces us (the residents of libraryland) to evaluate what our true role is in a broader context. What do you think?
In a couple of e-mails, folks pointed to jamboread!, the Woodruff reading park, and the Headquarters' bike/skateboard rack as examples of public spaces and destinations.
It is hard to look into the crystal ball and see the future. For those who say they know the future of libraries...well, they really don't. It's true...they just don't. I believe that "access" is the key. But even that creates problems. What does access even mean? Access in its purest sense could mean throwing books on a table in the lobby of the library. Maybe it is "meaningful" access. How do we provide meaningful access to information? Is it through self-checkout and downloadable media? Or is it through interpersonal relationships and human connection? Can technology and human relationships co-exist? Well...yes, of course they can. We are more connected now than ever. Maybe it is the quality of the connection.
It is interesting to read the article. Yes, technology plays a role, but is it technology or is it through human interaction that libraries become a public space? Why were jamboread!, the Woodruff Reading Park, and the bike/skateboard rack mentioned in previous e-mails? I don't know, but I believe they were mentioned because they provide a conduit for people to interact. This discussion is interesting, because it forces us (the residents of libraryland) to evaluate what our true role is in a broader context. What do you think?
posted by Todd at 6:38 PM
1 Comments:
Having a bike rack and a place for skateboards shows we care about people who visit the library. That we anticipate their needs and we care enough to make their stay here enjoyable.
We care about children and it really shows when we (y'all) take the time and energy to gather up volunteers, bring in entertainment and have authors present to bring their books to life at Jamboread.
We care about the community when we offer free internet access to all who come in. I see people of all ages interacting with each other while surfing the net. They get excited when they've found something really cool on the internet and they bring their friends over to their computer to show what they've found.
And I think a lot of people at the computers have made friends with people they didn't even know before coming to the library. I just love that.
I feel honored every single day, that I have been allowed to work at a Library that cares so much for the community. To be around people who are so bright and creative and who really love the work they do, that's just the best!
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