The following article is doing the rounds in WA and poses a few interesting questions for the industry. Whilst focusing on public libraries its also of relevance to any library that is changing the way it delivers its services.

http://books.guardian.co.uk/comment/story/0,,2262444,00.html


The article challenges the direction in which public libraries are heading and implies a form of prostitution is occurring to entice the customer through the door. Instead of books there are cafes and computers. On the catalogue are hyperlinks to Amazon. And shock, horror, Libraries are selling books as well as lending them.

It is of course a purist point of view of what public libraries should be (to this customer at least) and is tinged with nostalgia for yesteryear. We have many customers who probably wish that libraries do stand still and be that last bastion of times past.

On the other hand is our only role to be the custodians of the written word? Keeper of our past civilisations for the generations to come? The quiet haven for peace and solitude?

Yes, we do have that role to play. But libraries, like any other business fighting for sustainability, need to adapt and respond to the world in which we live. Like it or not, its full of technology and convenience, everything is global rather than local, we are being overloaded with information, social networking online is today's number one communication tool across the world and we really can do almost everything from home (work, shop, play).

In this 'brave new world' libraries are a meeting place as well as a custodian of ideas. We have a people role to play and this is why new library designs include cafes, lounge areas, meeting rooms and increasingly share their spaces with complementary businesses ranging from wine bars (my personal favourite idea) through to basketball courts.

Whilst I applaud the sentiment of the article and would echo the comment 'the value of the arts cannot be measured by its ability to preserve life, but rather to enhance existence', I believe libraries are not selling their soul at all. Quite the opposite in fact; they are ensuring it survives.

The ALIA election candidates for the 2008 - 2010 term have now been announced for both the Vice President and the Director roles and its a very impressive cross section of skills and experience from which the ALIA membership can choose.

A a new initiative this year in the election process is to ask candidates to respond to a series of questions so that the membership knows a little bit more about whom they are voting onto the Board as well as making sure the candidates are more accessible to the membership. Its a trial so it will be interesting to see what the Board candidates think.

My own view is that its a good idea as the Board has huge responsibilities and as such the ALIA membership has to take their voting right very seriously. Through the questions and direct access to candidates, the membership can make sure they have as much information as possible so they can make an informed vote. This can be particularly important to overseas members who might not know many of the candidates that well.

Anyway, here are my responses. You are very welcome to contact me directly or on this blog if you want to know more.

http://www.alia.org.au/governance/elections/2008/board/MB.responses.questions.html

Some people might be wondering why I am renominating for a second term. The answer is that I believe that I have good skills to offer to the Board, that I have a lot more I want to do on the Board and that the learning and understanding that I have gained by being on the Board for the past two years will ensure I make a meaningful and hopefully substantial contibution for another two years.

Best of luck to everyone nominating for the Board.

Michelle

It is with pleasure that I let you know I am renominating for the ALIA Board of Directors for a second term.

The decision to renominate has not been made lightly as the responsibility to the membership and the workload committment are both enormous. However, I have a strong belief in giving back to my association and my industry and I don't feel like all my work is done in that regard (it probably never will be).

The last two years on the Board have been rewarding, challenging, facsincating and exciting as well as a wonderful journey in self development both professional and personal. I have met a host of amazing people who just awe me in terms of their energy, passion and intellect. Roxanne, Dagmar and Gillian Hallam, the 3 immediate past presidents immediately come to mind when I make this observation.

I thank everyone for their support over the past few years, and do hope you will support me again in my bid to serve a further term on the Board and help to make our Association a major player on the political landscape.

More thoughts, observations and comments to come.

Michelle