In the first article, Stephen Bell talks about the impact of Google on librarianship, as more users expect simple search systems and interfaces, rather than the more complex ones they deal with when using library databases, and do not necessarily look past the first few results for the best information available. He believes librarians should search for a middle ground, where users can use a simpler search interface while still receiving high quality information.
In a response to Bell's article, Shirley Kennedy points out that Bell is working within an academic context, whereas users of other types of libraries may not have the desire or need to find the best possible information, they just want something that is "good enough".
While I think Bell has a good point when he says that library databases should try to incorporate a simpler search interface for users who are used to Google, Bell is also working in an academic setting and his users probably have a greater need for high quality information for their research. This is not to say that users of other types of libraries do not need high quality information, but as Kennedy points out, many people just want a quick answer and don't have "the time nor the inclination to 'mess with this stuff'". I do think that all library users should be better educated in search strategies, instead of just blindly typing in terms and hoping for the best, but the level of this education should be tailored to the user population, instead of a 'one-size-fits-all' approach, which is what it seemed Bell was advocating, although, of course, he might have been specifically discussing academic libraries.
Let Them Steal Books
Isaacson talks about various types of library book thieves and his views on each.
I didn't really agree with most of this article. I don't think that people who steal library books, even accidentally, are doing it for some kind of ideal. I think it's much more likely that they are absentminded or forgetful, which is totally understandable, because they are (most likely) human. I don't understand why Isaacson believes that people who simply forget about returning their library books are selfish, while people who (he believes) "steal books because they want to read and reread them intrigue [him]". In my mind, both of these people are selfish. Just because someone is a bookworm does not somehow make them more enlightened. Library books are meant for a community of people; for one person to keep a book away from the rest of the community is wrong, no matter what their reason for it is.
The one thing I liked about this article was Isaacson's idea for a 'take one, leave one' table for unsold books from library book sales.
What Literature?
Michael Cart discusses how he feels children's literature has been declining in the last few years due to the rise of MTV and fall of attention spans.
I was a little confused by this article at first, until I realized it was from the early 90s. (In retrospect, the reference to MTV probably should have clued me in to that.) While it may have been true that children's literature went through a decline during this period, I don't believe that is the case any longer. I haven't met many people who have read The Hunger Games who would say the books are not complex, and whatever one's personal feelings on the Twilight books, there is no denying that books are very lengthy. Harry Potter and Percy Jackson are both long, involved series that kids (and teens and adults) love. It seems that authors and the publishing industry are giving more credit to children's and young adults' intelligence in more recent years.
Standards of Eligibility to Receive State Funds
This is exactly what the title says: a list of standards libraries must meet to be eligible for state funds.
I had a difficult time reading this, but it was very informative about what baselines libraries must meet. It is nice to see that so many things are laid out in detail for libraries to refer back to if there are ever any questions about how a library is being run.
Suseela:
ReplyDeleteI had a close reaction to the Bell article as you....especially arriving at the point we have a massive and divese audience needing information, and their levels and needs are not going to be the same. But as we discussed last night in class...it would be nice for these people to have proper training and an understanding of what is available for changing needs.
I also believe in comparison to the Cart article, there is a wealth of literature available for the children....reaching the higher levels needing stimulation/growth all the way to a reader who is more interested in simple or recreational reading. We know there are many advacates for issues as we reviewed in class with concerns of how the encouragement to read is handled and types of literature different groups are allowed to read as the article addressed (suggesting it is the parent role to detemine), but with this said I feel we have a pretty remarkable group of young readers. I also support the comment last night that often you will have a gifted student who needs to be recognized and provided a level more suitable, not held back in growth possibilities or interest.