Week 7 Readings

Community Leadership through Public Library E-Government Services by Amelia Gibson, Charles R McClure, John Carlo Bertot, (et al.)

The article discusses the importance of having e-government services within the public library and the multiple ways of providing services.

Reading through the article, I felt there was a very valid point in the changing roles the public library plays within the community. Statistically, many people access the public library because they need assistance in legal matters and accessing the internet for information. The fact that public officials constantly recommend people to go to the public library is helpful, but it can also be difficult. It seems that public librarians are becoming a mixture of things including social workers and political aggregates. I believe that these same people should also find ways in assisting in the public library being able to provide this information to the public based on the enormous financial constraints involved for the access of e-government information.

Public Libraries, Values, Trust, and E-Government by Paul T. Jaeger and Keneth R Fleischmann

The article discusses how trust is an essential part in providing information to the public especially with the progression and maturation of e-government sources.

I felt there was a great deal of validity in how people view the library. They come to seek information and help, and know that they will get reliable and helpful feedback. However, there is a fine line that must be drawn when looking at how much a librarian can help someone. Too much help can be just as harmful as too little, and cause negative repercussions in the future. However, while reading the article and the discussion of neutrality and social services, I could not help creating a correlation between librarians providing information and going to a hair salon and seeking advice. Though massively different, it reminds me of a quote where the hairstylist said they were part shrink and part confidant, and part observer. I feel the librarian is in the same predicament. The issue is that we have to walk the line a bit more carefully because there is more value and trust placed on the advice given by a librarian. If it is wrong, it could be more detrimental.

Responsibility Rolls Down: Public Libraries and the Social and Policy Obligations of Ensuring Access to E-government and Government Information by Paul T Jaeger and John Carlo Bertot

The article discusses how government has progressed over time from print to online access.

While in my reference class last semester we had discussed the various formats that e-government material had taken and what was both positive and negative about the format and access. Something that we came to a consensus about was the lack of consideration for the people that do not have computers or access to the internet. Additionally, there is little consideration to the older generation who are more likely to be unfamiliar with the way of finding forms and accessing the information from a different medium. I feel that the concept of having everything online is very important because it makes availability “easier”, however, I believe that considerations should still be made on the people that cannot access the internet.

IN the Public Trust: A Reference Manual for Indiana Public Library Board Members by Cain

The manual discusses the policies and obligations of those involved in the library board. I felt something that was interesting about the policies was the discussion of what the board policy involved. I believe in some cases it can be difficult to separate the bylaws of an institution with policy. It seems that there might be some confusion on what policies can be interpreted as less permanent. I do think it is interesting though the intricacy that is involved in creating the policies and then amending or implementing them.