Libraries look/sound/feel like that already

There are seveal different groups promoting visions (often very much alike) and name changes to libraries under the banner of innovation and adaptation to a very dynamic information landscape. Yet, these name changes are not necessary and often seem more concerned with publication than with library business. Library business is often already doing just what is proposed in the name change. There seems to be a view among some that libraries have an image problem; an erroneous view when one looks to a healthy and happening contemporary library.

Burress et al (2018) write about the library as Learning Commons which values and stresses an ‘inviting, participatory culture for learning’ and instructional partnerships. Stephen’s (2022) vision of “Hyperlinked libraries” stresses a welcoming and participatory library culture which is not bound by a physical space; embracing communication technologies to shape how information can be shared and accessed. Behind both of these names and models are activities and directions already found in high functioning contemporary libraries. Indeed, there is established direction for just such models in documents like the Australian School Library Association’s policy, “Statement on Teacher Librarians in Australia,” which requires the TL to be an instructional leader and also facilitate digital and physical access. Libraries have long been aware of their need to grow, change and adopt new communication technologies. Any fuddy-duddy perception of librarians is one more rooted in sitcom portrayal and cliche than in any substantial time spent in libaries.

Hay’s (2015) ‘iCentre’ model is perhaps the most substantially altered vision of a library. Hay’s iCentre is a library model which is a IT learning hub for the school. Here, technology is readily available and iCentre librarians ensure technological innovation supports rich learning in classrooms and the library. It steps far from some of the traditional roles, responsibilities and offerings of the known library in that there is little mention of a physical collection and more traditional literacy skills. This becomes more of an IT intergration hub, but, again, this can be found in ASLA’s policy statement:

If I consider my own experiences in libraries I use or libraries wherein I have worked and place them in a Y chart (looks like/sounds like/feels like), there will be elements of iCentre, Learning Commons and Hyperlinks.