Saturday, January 09, 2010

Seth Godin and libraries

I'll admit it -- I've read books by Seth Godin, followed his blog, and even asked him a question at the SLA 2008 conference.  I like him, but I'm concerned about his recent blog post about libraries.  He wrote:
They can't survive as community-funded repositories for books that individuals don't want to own (or for reference books we can't afford to own.) More librarians are telling me (unhappily) that the number one thing they deliver to their patrons is free DVD rentals. That's not a long-term strategy, nor is it particularly an uplifting use of our tax dollars.
Godin's words have not fallen on deaf ears (e.g., here, here). However, given the number of people that read his blog, we'll have to raise our voices loudly to ensure that our message that libraries are needed is heard.

Yes, Seth (if I may call you that), libraries do house books that people don't want to own. Instead, they want to borrow them, along with other materials.  And if you hadn't noticed, libraries are providing a ton of information online -- including access to materials that they are digitizing -- that people are indeed accessing.  We haven't been solely about books for a very long time.

We already do a lot of training.  We train users to use online tools, computer programs, and information resources.  People use our training to help them understand how to use the computer to find a job opportunity and then complete the online job application.  Students of all ages use their public libraries to locate information. Some, who lack computer access at home, use the computers at the library in order to work on assignments, etc.

We also provide community space.  200 years ago, many communities used the town square as their common space.  Now one of the last community common spaces available is the library.

Seth, it is likely that you heard about the SLA Alignment Project when you spoke in Seattle and maybe that has colored your view of libraries.  Libraries and librarians are indeed changing.  We're outside of the library and using our skills in different areas, especially in corporations.  Some librarians are now embedded in specific departments.  Even some academic librarians are embedded in classes and departments.  But this does not deminish the importance of a room, a bulding or an institution called "a library".

Oh...you did say that, "The information is free now. No need to pool tax money to buy reference books."  While lots of information is free, you evidently would be amazed at how much isn't.  I know, you are giving away books and making a lot of content available on the Internet for free.  You are still the exception and not the rule.  There is a tremendous amount of content that people need that libraries purchase on their behalf.  Here in New York State, our State Library spends millions of dollars each year in order to license databases for all New Yorkers to use through their libraries (or via NovelNewYork.org).

Seth, you don't allow comments on your blog posts, but I know you track who has linked to your blog.  I hope you'll follow the links to your "The future of libraries" blog post and read what people are saying.  Given the power that your blog has, maybe you'll consider doing a follow-up post about what you have heard and learned.

Finally, given that I'm on a statewide committee that focuses on libraries, I'd be more than willing to put you in touch with people -- even our State Librarian -- so you can hear more about what libraries are doing. Call me.

12 comments:

waltc said...

Much applause, Jill. I was wondering when a librarian would actually stand up for public libraries instead of joining the crowd intent on fouling other parts of their own nest. Would that we had more like you (but that's true in a number of ways).

Anonymous said...

I'm backing Seth. I'm sure we all heard this:

http://mashable.com/2009/12/26/kindle-ebook-sales/

Paul Signorelli said...

Yes, Jill, libraries are doing a great job of keeping books among the resources provided to their obviously appreciative members and guests, and I imagine we can both assure Walt that there are many members of library staff who are standing up for the organizations and members of the communities they serve. Having glanced at Grodin's post, I have to say that he's lobbed us an easy one with the line "Here's my proposal: train people to take intellectual initiative." The incredible initiative being displayed by library staff members interested in providing training to library users continues to move us in the very direction that Grodin suggests; hope your attempt to respond to him in a public venue helps create the sort of coalition and collaboration which moves us further along toward our apparently common goal: keeping libraries responsive to their users' needs. Thanks for posting your article.

Jill Hurst-Wahl said...

Anonymous, yes, a lot of books were sold for the Kindle this past holiday season. I'm not sure that we can draw a direct correlation between the rise of digital books (which libraries are carrying/lending) and the demise of libraries. That's like saying that rise of the mass production of books was going to decrease the appeal of libraries. In fact, the number of libraries has increased since then.

Jill Hurst-Wahl said...

Paul, thanks for your comment. Just want to note that is "Godin" not "Grodin".

Yes, libraries are response to their users. What other public institution is as responsive to the needs of its users as a public library?

Susan D'Entremont said...

Wondering if Seth Godin has taken you up on your offer.

Jill Hurst-Wahl said...

Susan, I haven't heard from Seth yet.

BTW Seth Godin has a fan page in Facebook. You can leave comments there about his blog post. So far, that blog post has attracted 35 comments on his fan page (both pro and con). You might want to leave a comment and then get others to do the same.

Donna Slawsky said...

You might want to check out this recent blog post from the Digital Asset Management: Covering Your Assets blog, entitled "Libraries. Boring, dusty places of quiet contemplation, right?" http://digitalassetmanagement.org.uk/2010/01/08/libraries-boring-dusty-places-of-quite-contemplation-right/

Far from it, according to the writer. This addresses how libraries are 'brushing off the dust and joining the world.' Libraries, as they always have, will evolve with popular culture.

Tim said...

I think Seth is mistaken. Here's my take on it: http://digitaldunes.blogspot.com/2010/01/its-2010-lets-make-forecasts-about.html

Ria said...

Well said Jill

Ria said...

Well said, Jill

Ria said...

Well said, why is it then that libraries are always seeking for more funding if their services are not of any value nowadays