OLJ Task 7: Embracing a Library 2.0 ethos
Consider the services discussed by Laura Cole in relation to a library or information agency that you know (as an employee or user). Select four key points made by the speaker, and consider how these may be applied to a library or an organisation you are familiar with to help it embrace a Library 2.0 ethos. Write 300 – 400 words.
Word count: 443
In recent times, librarians have had to question the definition of their job role and have been referred to as ‘information specialists’ (Purcell, 2010), ‘gatekeepers of knowledge’ (Ciccone & Hounslow, 2019) and now ‘liberators’ and ‘active navigators’ (Cole, 2016). This change of defined role provides librarians with the chance to expand their knowledge base, develop skills and consider functional choices within the library space. Time and resources can be spent in new ways, rather than just sourcing, stocktaking and maintaining physical resources (Novonty, 2017).
Cole (2016) had some interesting points regarding library digitisation. While she maintained that there would always be those users who prefer paper books, she pointed out that ‘digital (technology) changes the way the patron interfaces with the library’ (Cole, 2016) and used examples of incarcerated juveniles or deployed military personnel able to access library books and articles on devices. This idea can be expanded on to include children and adults living and working in rural environments in outback Australia. By digitising collections, librarians are not disadvantaging those who cannot physically get to a library and removing time limitations, allowing access to information any time of day or night (Cole, 2016; Lee, 2013; Craver, 2002). In my own experience, I have established and promoted two particular digital library programs run through my school; the NSW DET Orbit program and a paid encyclopedia-esque subscription available to students via their school log-in, ensuring both are monitored and protected by the department security and guidelines.
Cole (2016) went on to explain that the digitisation of libraries can open up space that was previously claimed by physical collections, allowing for the development of learning hubs, social hubs and access points. Additionally, due to the variety and global availability of many sources, a collection can reach across multiple mediums, allowing more accessibility to various interests (Moroni, 2012). These spaces are already being developed into learning hubs for BYOD programs in schools (Adams, 2012) and ‘makerspaces’ (Dunford, 2016). Personally, I have begun to reduce the number of paper books in my school library and have set up multiple workstations in the resulting space while allowing for flexible seating and interactive learning. I intend to investigate makerspaces in the near future to determine the necessity and usefulness in my library.
Finally, I particularly liked the use of the Bibliotech emblem as an HQ code. It was eye-catching, identifiable, allowing for a cohesive look across the brand (Civitello, 2018) and very practical for digitally aware and conscious users. I would consider employing this in my school library, particularly for the older students in an effort to encourage them to access the library database and online content at home.
References
Adams, H. R. (2012). Bring your own device (BYOD) and equitable access to technology. School Library Monthly, 28(8), 25-26. Retrieved from https://search-proquest-com.ezproxy.csu.edu.au/docview/1491084812?accountid=10344
Ciccone, A. & L. Hounslow (2019). Re-Envisioning the Role of Academic Librarians for the Digital Learning Environment: The Case of UniSA Online. Journal of University Teaching & Learning Practice, 16(1). Implementing online learning: Stories from the field, Article 11. Available at https://ro.uow.edu.au/jutlp/vol16/iss1/11
Cole, L. (2016). BiblioTech as the re-imagined public library: Where will it find you? Paper presented at: IFLA WLIC 2016- Columbus, OH- Connections. Collaboration. Community. in Session 213- Metropolitan Libraries.
Craver, K. W. (2002). Creating cyber libraries: an instructional guide for school library media specialists. Available from https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/00330330310500775/full/html
Dunford, H. (2016). Makerspaces in libraries (Library technology essentials). The Australian Library Journal, 65(2), (132-133). DOI: 10.1080/00049670.1182160
Lee, M. (2013). Digital normalisation, school evolution and BYOT positioning in the school library. Retrieved from https://www.asla.org.au/resources/Documents/Website%20Documents/ACCESS/Access-Commentaries/access-27-4-commentary.pdf
Moroni, A. (2012). Weeding in a digital age. Library Journal, 137(15). Retrieved from https://search-proquest-com.ezproxy.csu.edu.au/docview/1189486012?accountid=10344
Purcell, M (2010). All librarians do is check out books, right? A look at the roles of a school media specialist. Library Media Connection, 29(3), 30-33. Available from https://www.abc-clio.com/LibrariesUnlimited.aspx
