Choose a resource and write a 400 word analysis that addresses the following issues:
Mersand, S., Gasco-Hernandez, M., Udoh, E., & Gil-Garcia, J. R. (2019). Public libraries as anchor institutions in smart communities: Current practices and future development. Paper presented at the Proceedings of the 52nd Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences.
Using a diversified research approach, Mersand et al. identified five dimensions of innovative strategies, programs, services, and tools that illustrate the potential of the public library as an anchor institution in smart communities.
These five dimensions include: infrastructure, technology, programs and services, partnerships, and citizen engagement which in combination, allow public libraries to offer multi-disciplinary services and spaces to suit the needs of their patrons.
What is the potential for the future of an organization you are familiar with?
Future-proofing public libraries means adapting to the ever-changing needs of the community (Julian et al.2017). By rethinking existing services and spaces, looking at ways to expand their user base, maximising community engagement, collaboration and co-creation, and developing a culture of lifelong learning (Boyle et al. 2016), public libraries, no matter their size, can become an anchor institution in the community or leverage their existing role to a higher level as shown below (Ross, 2018).
Figure 1: Model for an integrated communications infostructure (Ross, 2018 p. 137)
Small public libraries with limited funding, resources and space face many challenges in developing and implementing multi-disciplinary programs, services, and tools and are looking for ways to incorporate flexible, fluid learning spaces, performative spaces, makerspaces and community spaces that can be easily converted when needed. Delimiting spaces according to content and communication, distributing the different types of makers spaces across library branches such as the Yarra Valley Regional Library Science & Technology Maker Space at Mill Park Library, or the Textile & Craft Maker Space at the Thomastown Library, mean libraries do not need to compromise on the level of service available to patrons within the broader community. Open Leaning Spaces or a mobile or pop-up makerspace modeled on San José Public Library’s (SJPL) STEAMstacks maker programs may be the answer to space and access/distance constraints.
What impact might the future have on us as information professionals?
Libraries enjoy a high degree of public confidence as a trusted source of information and have consolidated their place in the community as a third space (Horrigan, 2016) as shown in Figure 2.
Figure 2. “Libraries 2016” survey conducted by Pew Research Center.
Technology has changed the way we learn, think and communicate and the modern public library must reflect this change. The role of the information professional in public libraries has also evolved, encompassing ‘third space’ activities ranging from access and outreach, equity, community engagement, careers advice and public relations not previously on the job description. For information professionals, finding the balance between public service policy, market agendas and practice (Whitechurch, 2015) remains a challenge as does resolving the identity disconnect between custodian and enablers of learning (Elmborg, 2011).
References
Boyle, E., Collins, M., Kinsey, R., Noonan, C. & Pocock, A. (2016). Making the case for creative spaces in Australian libraries. The Australian Library Journal, 65(1), 30-40, DOI: 10.1080/00049670.2016.1125756
Elmborg, J. K. (2011). Libraries as the spaces between us: Recognising and valuing the Third Space. Reference & User Services Quarterly, 50(4), 338–350. https://doi-org.ezproxy.csu.edu.au/10.5860/rusq.50n4.338
Horrigan, J.B. (September, 2016). Libraries 2016. Pew Research Center. http://www.pewinternet.org/2016/09/09/2016/Libraries-2016/
Julian, K.D. & Parrott, D.J. (2017). Makerspaces in the library: Science in a Student’s Hands. Journal of Learning Spaces, 6(2). https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1152687.pdf
Mersand, S., Gasco-Hernandez, M., Udoh, E., & Gil-Garcia, J. R. (2019). Public libraries as anchor institutions in smart communities: Current practices and future development. [Conference paper]. Proceedings of the 52nd Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences. Retrieved from https://scholarspace.manoa.hawaii.edu/handle/10125/59766
Ross, J. M. (2018). Role of public libraries in rural communication Infostructure. [Dissertation]. University of Alabama. https://pqdtopen.proquest.com/doc/2118097779.html?FMT=AI
Whitechurch, C. (2015). The rise of third space professionals: Paradoxes and dilemmas. In U. Teichler & W. C. Cummings (Eds.), Recruiting and managing the academic profession. Springer. DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-16080-1_5