If they went, you would miss them (Library services)

Member Name: moronboy

Product:	Library services
Date:	17/11/00 (7 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Libraries offer a service that is genuinely worth protecting

Disadvantages: They have a dismal public image

I don't work in a library, but I do work for a library service. This means that I'm sorting out IT provision for a borough council's library service, and working on the cataloguing as well (in other words, I don't stamp books and I don't have to deal with the public - i.e. you lot!).

Supplying the public with books has been the mission of libraries since their inception, but no-one can be fooled into thinking that this is where libraries are going. For one thing, libraries are where this government has decided the public will be getting free internet access (and my employers are providing this already). There are also things like word processing, CD-Roms and community information. And, obviously, there are all sorts of music, videos and DVDs available.

OK, advert over. The problem facing libraries is that the perception of what they do is entirely and fiercely fixed in people's minds. I can tell you as many times as I like that the branch librarians I deal with are just as human as every other profession, no more anal or grumpy than teachers or nurses or anyone else, and you won't believe me. This archetype of libraries as sterile, forbidding places is powerful and cannot be overcome easily.

Moreover, the profile of library users is difficult - there are a lot of over 50s in libraries, and that does put people off in a big way. When you see libraries trying to address these issues, sometimes their attempts come off as really fake and joyless - the more you emphasize how modern and open libraries are, the less convinced people seem to be.

And worst of all, despite all the new things, books are still the backbone of libraries, and every uncultured, techno-junkie on the planet still propounds the puerile notion that the book is dead, that we'll all be reading e-books, or downloading novels intravenously. I don't believe a word of this, as nothing I have seen (and I have seen e-books) is remotely as
pleasant an object as a book, especially when reading for enjoyment. I think CD-roms and the internet will rightly kill off reference books, because reference works go of date when printed, but digital sources can always be updated. But people will always want books to read, and as long as the daft propaganda continues, libraries continue to look old-fashioned in principle.

So what's the solution?

Well, I think the word 'library' is doomed - some alternative, some re-branding is inevitable, however trivial a concept that might seem. I also think that libraries will have to start flogging themselves as resources for internet and email and other such dizzying baubles to get people indoors. And finally - new library buildings. Natural light, pot plants, sofas, coffee shops, all that ephemeral design stuff. Peckham library, the one alluded to by another reviewer has recruited many new users because the building invites them in automatically.

There is but one small problem - this will cost money. But it is the solution, so whatever the means are, whether it be more state money or private partnerships, as long as the majority of libraru services are free, as long as you can get books and information for free, the principle will be secure.

Summary: