“Redefining the Library”
“Will the physical library ultimately disappear as the digital library increase in use?’
Rubin reviews the technological advances in the library during the twentieth century. From the 1900s to1960s, there were two significant breakthroughs: microphotography that led to microfilm and the photocopier. “Libraries became publishers of single copies on demand” (Rubin, 2004). Rubin notes that by being able to photocopy a document that patrons no longer needed to hand copy material. I wonder if patrons may have even then have been shortchanging their research, by copying the materials and getting out of the library perhaps the information was not the most relevant, but the first at hand. Just like today, taking information from just the first ten records found.
In the 1960s, we have the “creation of standard bibliographic format” with MARC (Machine Readable Cataloging). The Ohio College Library Center (OCLC) “offered access to the MARC database” which eventually allowed for “shared cataloging” (Rubin, 2004). OCLC services expanded to include interlibrary loan, serials control, and access to electronic databases; OCLC changed its name to Online Computing Library Center. The most “prominent development” of the 1970s was “Boolean searching, based on the logical theory of George Boole” (Rubin, 2004). CDROMs of the 1980s allowed for databases to part of the library collection and could be access from within the library. Also the developed and introduction of OPACs (Online Public Access Catalogs), this was the first “end user” search system (Rubin, 2004). The installation of OPAC in the library “meant the eventual removal of the card catalog, the opportunity for remote access and change in physical environment of the library” (Rubin, 2004). Circulation systems also implemented self-checkout. Other features of automated circulation systems include tracking overdue items, and producing recall notices.
The 1990s saw the rise of the Internet and the World Wide Web. Rubin traces the development from a joint military (ARPANET) and science (NSF) merger to” create a high speed telecommunications backbone” (Rubin, 2004). The two key features of the system were remote login and electronic mail (email). Lastly, Rubin covers 2000 and beyond: the digital library, web portals, and Internet 2.
Will the traditional library survive the digital age? Yes and no. Most libraries are all ready what Rubin called a hybrid state. The library has adapted to the expanding choices among electronic resources and Internet use by patrons. The bigger challenge will be selecting the best electronic resources to subscribe to and teaching patrons how to navigate the World Wide Web. Rubin quotes Rutenbeck on “five great challenges of the digital age”: malleability, selectivity, exclusivity, vulnerability, and superficiality (Rubin, 2004). Information on the web can be open to corruption by hackers, viruses, and poor backup systems. As with Wikipedia, information can easily be changed. Selectivity is a huge concern; how do we as librarians teach that the first few results from a search engine may not be the best choices. Anyone can post to the Internet whether a new web page, a contribution to a discussion board, or a blog. What about preservation of data? Will data of the digital age be lost just because the format is obsolete? How much data can no longer be accessed because it is on punch card, or floppy disk? What format will be the next road kill on the superhighway?
“The Future of the Modern American Library”
“The mission of libraries is shaped by the societies in which they exist.” The mission of the Sumerian library was to house records of commerce. The mission of the Alexandrian library was “to collect entirety of Greek literature.” Rubin discusses seven values in detail that "seem to be pervasive as they apply to libraries" (Rubin, 2004). Value 2 is that "reading and the book are important" (Rubin, 2004). Why books beat TV - "books stimulate more active involvement and diminish the passivity common when viewing television or movies." Another value, tolerance "admits of the possibility that our ability to judge the truth is flawed" (Rubin, 2004). I believe the joy of reading for pleasure and knowledge along with opening one's mind to new perspectives are of tremendous value to the society. The mission of today’s library is to provide homework help, entertainment, meeting spaces for community groups, outreach services, access to the Internet, and a collection of materials for education and enjoyment.
Rubin, R.E. (2004). Foundations of library and information science (2nd ed.). New York: Neal-Schuman Publishers, Inc.
Supplemental Reading
Wilt and Hrabowski use the health club as a “conceptual model” for the sleek new library of the future. Libraries need to entice users to venture out; why go to the library “when information is becoming easier by the minute to get from home.” In their analyses, Wilt and Hrabowski wondered what induced people to leave home and go sweat in the company of others. First, a health club has better equipment then a home gym. A library needs to have better equipment: faster Internet connections, faster printers, and better access to information (databases, pathfinders, bookmarks). Next like a health club, the library should offer “coaching and monitoring.” The authors suggest a two tier system with basic level like an attendant making sure of proper use of resources and “personal training” which allows one on one reference service. The library can offer specialized classes: search engines for beginners, emailing, and word processing. These along with several other suggestions have real world application to libraries. One of my favorite ideas is to make sure the library has good signage and style. Our world is increasing visual (and some might say superficial), but first impressions matter. Do you really want to spend time working with poor lightning, old and uncomfortable furniture, and out-of-order signs hang on the computers? If the signs are missing or misleading, do you ask for help or leave? Image, branding and accessibility are important in today’s society.
Wilt, L. & Hrabowski III, F.A. (2006). Pump up your patrons. American libraries, 37(4), 70-72.
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