Emerging Trends November 3, 2009
Posted by k3nd in trends.Tags: trends
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A few emerging trends in libraries which I have noticed over the years.
- Meeting rooms
- Study areas and desks
- Free wireless internet
- Free internet
- Power outlets
- Coffee
- Relaxing/social areas to chill out
- Newspapers, and not just the Sydney Morning Herald, Australian and Financial Review which mostly just pedal their own agendas
- Fax, print and copy facilities at a reasonable cost
- Self check out
- I want it now attitude
- Organised activities for all ages – baby time, teen activities and book groups. should be expanded to other areas such as gaming, discussion groups, whatever you want.
- Demand for workers who are knowledgeable, flexible and approachable.
And I’m sure you can add many more. Just another indication that the library is a living, breathing, ever changing entity which is reinventing itself, whether you like it or not.
Out with the old, in with the old. October 26, 2009
Posted by k3nd in Staff.Tags: Staff
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I was recently speaking to a colleague of mine during a most non-rewarding session of shelf-checking. A jovial and most thought provoking chap, he relayed the story of his visit to a newly refurbished library.
Rebuilt from the bottom up, sparkling new computers, new furniture, and shiny glass and metal welcomed the eager borrower, promising a library experience never before encountered. A “library of the future” in every sense of the word. The visit was going along very well. He had struck up conversation with a friendly staff member. The young man showed my colleague around and told him of the services provided by the library.
Then disaster struck. A crusty old librarian type broke up the conversation. You know the type. “Get back to work..what are you doing??” Then as my colleague went to venture further on, he was impeded by another crusty old librarian type: “Get out, get out, it’s 4.00 o’clock!!”
His visit to this new and exciting library was made all the less enjoyable due to the rudeness of a few old dinosaurs. The moral to the story? It’s not necessarily the physical nature of a library which denotes it’s stature, but the actions and personality of it’s staff.
The Dewey Medal…Library of the Future Style October 14, 2009
Posted by k3nd in Dewey Medal.Tags: dewey, medal
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The dewey medal, undoubtedly the hottest prize in world librarianship, is reaching it’s climax. Into it’s second year, we have a fabulous group of candidates who are causing headaches for the judging panel. It’s great to see how competitive some staffers are. The “Dewey” as many now fondly call it, has achieved a significant niche in the library psyche. It has brought out many positive qualities which would otherwise be buried underneath a furrowed brow or look of disdain.
My view of the medal, like many, is that it rewards areas such as innovation, attention to detail, character and customer service. Staffers who whine, complain, are tardy, with no imagination should not bother getting their snuggy out for awards night.
Past winners have been those who are not afraid to get their hands dirty, warmly greet the public when the doors are opened, and regularly go the extra mile in the name of customer service. Do not think that because you have worked in libraries for 30 years or so that you automatically qualify for the medal. Things are not done that way in the “library of the future.” Length of the line of satisfied customers, not tenure is the measure of this rule. These people are the oil which keep the wheels of customer service moving, they never rest till the job is done, are never satified with second best, and will certainly not die wondering. Who will be your Dewey Medalist for 2009?
You can follow the medal’s progress at www.twitter.com/deweymedal
And the Walls came Tumbling down September 29, 2009
Posted by k3nd in Customers, Reference, Staff.Tags: Customers, desk, Reference, Staff
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Approaching a library reference desk is a daunting task for many. I liken it to the movie “Oliver Twist” when the little boy went up to the dude asking for more gruel. “More!!!????!!!!” Usually its a serious looking person who gives the impression they do not wish to be disturbed. It’s a throw back to the bad old days when the library was seen as the gatekeeper of knowledge, rather than the facilitator.
I see no reason at all to have a reference desk. In an action akin to the demolishing of the Berlin wall, the reference desk walls need to come down as well. In an organisation where all staff are highly trained and knowledgeable, everybody take on the role of the reference desk. Once again I beckon back to the idea of the “roving librarian”. Get out of that seat and actually help people! Go to the people, because, most of the time, they sure as hell ain’t gonna go to you.
Think about yourself walking into a shop. Isn’t it pleasant when staff approach you and ask if you need help. Why should a library be any different? The excuse that it has always been done this way no longer cuts it. Take it on board and you will find that your skills will increase, you will be happier doing the job, and customer service will skyrocket.
Keep it Secret, Keep it Safe….Not August 25, 2009
Posted by k3nd in Knowledge.Tags: education, Knowledge
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I recently attended the Local Government Web Network Conference in Sydney. #lgwn09 for our twitter users. Without going into detail, all the speakers were great. Special mention to b3rn and broccolini for a most interesting session on inexpensive web-based tools.
Hopefully web2.0 champions will leave conferences such as these more clued up and enthusiastic to spread the word. This information revolution we are embroiled in will only succeed if people know how to interact with it. We no longer possess the tag as gatekeepers of knowledge any more. We are educators through which others may become self sufficient in information gathering and dissemination.
Now, how do we get this valuable information from the conference room to the masses? How do we spread the word to the web2.0 “proletariat?” Hmmm, instead of a band playing in the shopping square, have people speak about Government 2.0, followed by cool web 2.0 tools, for example. But make it short and to the point, plus provide some balloons for the kiddies. You’ll get through to more people than if it was done in the local library or conference center. It’s no longer a nerdy subject. It’s mainstream. It’s time the library moves forward and helps spread the word, which may mean getting out of it’s comfort zone.
avenir du livre August 11, 2009
Posted by k3nd in eBook.Tags: eBook
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For those fond of the language of love, here is a French contribution to the future of the book, or should I say eBook. Having a wealth of information at your fingertips in a convenient space is what’s it’s all about.
And the loser is….Sidanee August 3, 2009
Posted by k3nd in Staff, Traffic.Tags: Traffic
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I recently heard a story about how essential services workers such as firemen and nurses are finding it increasingly difficult to live in the same city they work in. Namely Sydney Australia. This problem arises not only for these workers but many who work in Sydney.
Thanks to years of neglect and mismanagement, largely by the current State Labor Government, Sydney is increasingly becoming a no go zone for workers. The road system is choked, transport system on its knees, rents skyrocketing, and housing unaffordable, unless you move further out of the centre of the city. And if you do if will probably result in leaving for work at 6.00am or earlier, and getting home well after 7.00pm. That’s not a life.
Governments need to cut the crap. Introducing fast trains would be a fabulous start. Workers would be able to live in regional areas and retain their jobs in Sydney. However, don’t hold your breath, as the current mob of politicians are too busy pulling splinters out of their arses from sitting on the fence and doing Sweet Fanny Adams.
How does this relate to libraries? Well, some of the more affluent suburbs will be finding it more difficult to attract quality employees. Just look at the long list who have left for regional centres or interstate. Why would you live in a box in Sydney and be forced to travel two hours to work and two hours home again, when you could have a four bedroom home on 1000square meters, and leisurely drive or walk to work? Its a no brainer.
JISC joins Libraries of the Future Debate July 27, 2009
Posted by k3nd in Library Image, Technology.Tags: future, Technology
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JISC (Joint Information Systems Committee) has released a video on the Future of the Library. Check out the JISC website as it contains other relevant information regarding the debate.
Rock the boat, don’t rock the boat baby… July 25, 2009
Posted by k3nd in Disturbance.Tags: Disturbance
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Things are rolling along fine. The processes which we have had for the past 10 years are going great. In fact, I reckon I could not be here and everything would run like clockwork. We are very happy the way things are. I’m sorry to rain on your parade, but it sounds like your library is in a rut, a slow train to nowhere.
Once your organisation feels “comfortable”, it will not strive for new ideas or new processes. What is needed is “disturbance” from it’s employees. No, not internal sabotage, but a little shaking up, stirring the possum, making things interesting, pushing the envelope, raising the bar, whatever you want to call it.
Look inward to your own employees, so long as they have not been brow beaten or bored into submission. They are your greatest asset, and so long as they are listened to and encouraged to participate, your library will prosper.
Just remember, the font of all knowledge does not lie with the few, but the collective, so long as they are prepared to contribute, and others are willing to let go.
Lights….camera….customers July 16, 2009
Posted by k3nd in Young Adult.Tags: entertainment, Young Adult
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Hmm…now how to get young adults into the young adult area? Promote it on the web? Have a big sign? Shoot out a press release? No way Hosei. Play a movie. Recently I setup a viewing of Ms Rowling’s fifth installment to the delight of twenty or so well behaved YA’s.
As I stated in a previous post, “You wont need Sinatra to get ‘em in”. In this case a popular movie would suffice. Hopefully, some of those youngsters will come back again, maybe to see another movie, maybe to read a book, try out the wireless, talk to their peers, it doesn’t matter. They are in.
Let’s extend this to other age groups. Throw in a few mystery thrillers, documentaries and general movies for those so inclined. Let’s move away from the traditional “library” focus of being quiet and well behaved to a centre of not only learning, but enjoyment. If a place is not fun or engaging, your customers will not return, unless they have to. Why not throw in some entertainment. Start to transform your library from a serious finger wagging institution, into a vibrant community hub where learning can go hand in hand with entertainment.
