March 6
Cooperation in Rural and Remote Libraries: The Promise of Technology
Clendening, L
(2002)
This article looked at the use of technology in rural libraries, and how it could become “the great equalizer” in regards to information access. While it is certainly true for some libraries, I don’t think this has fully been realized yet. As Clendening points out, technology resources are also expensive, and of course the digital divide still affects patron access greatly. I did like the mention of open access and consortia, no longer bound by geographic proximity. I think that the ALF is an excellent example of libraries working together to provide better collections and more specialized individual libraries. The open access at Morganstown is another great example of collabortaion, and the Eminence branch shows how innovation and adaptation can be used to reach formerly isolated areas.
Changes in Rural Libraries and Librarianship: A Comparative Survey
Flatley, R., & Wyman, A
(2009)
This article presents the idea of technology in the library from a different angle. It is seen here as not simply a way to equalize information access, but a pressure to adapt at the risk of losing value to the community, and a forced financial strain.
I thought it was interesting to note that some of the rural libraries did not have emails, even with all of our technological pressures and advancements. The fact that these libraries were left out of the survey seems a great pity to me, since they obviously aren’t heard from often surveys already. I believe these libraries will soon be forced to make a website and email address to comply with updated regulations, at least in Indiana, however.
One other comment I found strange was that the low pay librarian get is a symptom of a negative view of librarians. Many of our other articles mention that librarians and libraries are ‘trusted”. Do we have some kind of double image where we are seen as both trustworthy and worthless? I have always assumed the low pay rate was derived mostly from the female-dominated workplace and associated pay inequality, and also from budget cuts.
Burnout was mentioned as a reason many librarians were leaving the profession. Considering our stereotype of sitting at a desk, reading, this was somewhat funny. Why are so many librarians “burning out”, and what exactly does that mean?
Service Trends in US Public Libraries:
This article looked at survey results on technology vs. library usage over a ten year period. The prevalence of internet usage is one point they made very clear. Libraries are shifting to more “essential” roles in the community, rather than reading/leisure/hobbies. The old-school librarians (myself included) might find this depressing, but it is a role that needs to be filled and will likely help keep the library relevant in the adapting technological climate. We’ve discussed the e-government’s growing usage in class and our reading, and it can be seen again in these results.
Cooperation in Rural and Remote Libraries: The Promise of Technology
Clendening, L
(2002)
This article looked at the use of technology in rural libraries, and how it could become “the great equalizer” in regards to information access. While it is certainly true for some libraries, I don’t think this has fully been realized yet. As Clendening points out, technology resources are also expensive, and of course the digital divide still affects patron access greatly. I did like the mention of open access and consortia, no longer bound by geographic proximity. I think that the ALF is an excellent example of libraries working together to provide better collections and more specialized individual libraries. The open access at Morganstown is another great example of collabortaion, and the Eminence branch shows how innovation and adaptation can be used to reach formerly isolated areas.
Changes in Rural Libraries and Librarianship: A Comparative Survey
Flatley, R., & Wyman, A
(2009)
This article presents the idea of technology in the library from a different angle. It is seen here as not simply a way to equalize information access, but a pressure to adapt at the risk of losing value to the community, and a forced financial strain.
I thought it was interesting to note that some of the rural libraries did not have emails, even with all of our technological pressures and advancements. The fact that these libraries were left out of the survey seems a great pity to me, since they obviously aren’t heard from often surveys already. I believe these libraries will soon be forced to make a website and email address to comply with updated regulations, at least in Indiana, however.
One other comment I found strange was that the low pay librarian get is a symptom of a negative view of librarians. Many of our other articles mention that librarians and libraries are ‘trusted”. Do we have some kind of double image where we are seen as both trustworthy and worthless? I have always assumed the low pay rate was derived mostly from the female-dominated workplace and associated pay inequality, and also from budget cuts.
Burnout was mentioned as a reason many librarians were leaving the profession. Considering our stereotype of sitting at a desk, reading, this was somewhat funny. Why are so many librarians “burning out”, and what exactly does that mean?
Service Trends in US Public Libraries:
This article looked at survey results on technology vs. library usage over a ten year period. The prevalence of internet usage is one point they made very clear. Libraries are shifting to more “essential” roles in the community, rather than reading/leisure/hobbies. The old-school librarians (myself included) might find this depressing, but it is a role that needs to be filled and will likely help keep the library relevant in the adapting technological climate. We’ve discussed the e-government’s growing usage in class and our reading, and it can be seen again in these results.
"The old-school librarians (myself included) might find this depressing, but it is a role that needs to be filled and will likely help keep the library relevant in the adapting technological climate."
ReplyDeleteIt is kind of strange to see the library undergo such a rapid transformation in so little amount of time. At the same time, I can not help but be excited by the new prospects that await librarians. Many librarians surveyed indicated that they thought the library will be very useful in the future.