Weekly Readings 2/21

Public Libraries, Values, Trust, and E-Government by Paul Jaeger and Kenneth Fleischmann

The authors explore the public library as a primary access point to e-government websites and documents, justifying their assertions and making recommendations for stronger advocacy.

With tax season in full swing and my last shift on the reference desk at MCPL falling on a Sunday, I really related to the truth of this article. While I've been able to provide assistance, I could not agree more that it would be helpful to have LIS schools somehow emphasize this part of libraries throughout the public library classes. This is especially useful since I have found it difficult to balance helping patrons while carefully explaining to them that I cannot offer advice. The authors' conclusion that librarians need to be more involved in communicating their roles is a must. Right now MCPL is arguing with the state over getting more copies of a particular form because the state wants individuals to go paperless. This may make sense to those removed from the public, but the people on the front lines are the ones having to explain why everything is moving to the internet. Like the digital divide with ebooks, it seems forgotten that taking an activity that used to be accomplished physically and putting it online is not intuitive or easy for a large number of people.


Community Leadership through Public Library E-Government Services by Amelia Gibson, et al.

This article discussed the cost to public libraries as governments shift their resources online, saving them money but placing more responsibilities on librarians without additional funding.

It was hard not to laugh (probably in an effort not to cry) over the figure that the Florida DCF ACCESS program has saved the agency $83 million annually, basically by passing the buck to individuals to figure it out for themselves. While libraries are one of the biggest places to help wade through these waters, they don't see one penny of that savings. After reading these articles, it is also easy to see why the San Francisco library system hired a full-time social worker. There is an incredible amount of personal information involved in e-government inquiries, which often makes me uncomfortable. Most patrons who ask for help never have a problem handing over social security numbers, credit card numbers, birthdates, etc. not only to me but anyone in earshot. It's this latter group that most worries me. I know I'm trustworthy, but the guy overhearing as he plays Farmville at the next computer may not be. I also wondered how enforceable a policy about the extent of services could be. How to you tell a patron who desperately needs help with unemployment that you only provide access or resources?


Responsibility Rolls Down by Paul Jaeger & John Bertot

This article examined the history of access to government information in a broad way, before narrowing in on libraries as the primary means of access in the US and how this should shape policies.

Much of what was said in this article echoed the other two. I thought it had a stronger emphasis on how librarians need proper training to handle the demands of e-government assistance, but was surprised to read that it is rare for government agencies to come in to provide such training. One of the most memorable ways for librarians to learn about the services offered in their communities/states is to hear it directly in person, I believe. While this doesn't shed good light on law librarians, I agree that public libraries are a natural place for this responsibility to have settled in, but suggestions 1 through 3 are an absolute must. The people who are actively engaging those needing to use e-government services (which are always incredibly important documents or forms) should have a much larger share in decisions when possible, even if it means one more committee to join.


IN the Public Trust by Dan Cain

A very straightforward, easy to understand manual for library board members in Indiana.

I think this manual is a great idea that should be done for each state. The notion that board membership is an acquired skill was a thought-provoking observation that I believe is true. With so much at stake, it is vital that the board understands its role and what it must accomplish both legally and for the success of the library. On a lighter note, the list of what to say if you want to perform certain actions was amusing to me.