Wednesday, November 7, 2012
Serving Future Patrons Creatively
Libraries are looking for new ways to serve and intrigue their patrons. With the continual growth of technology and the impact of digitization at work in libraries, it is easy to predict that libraries will become merely community centers or technology labs. However, one new creative approach that libraries can consider is establishing access for creative development. Instead of remaining only as centers that provide access to information, libraries must develop new information, new inventions, and new content. Libraries can become “the place to go when [patrons] want to publish their own ebook, create and edit their latest song or video, or even design and print out plastic tools, toys, and prototypes.” Ways to begin this transition could begin simply by purchasing Apple computers that come pre-loaded with photo, music, and video editing software, or by providing photography or music classes.
Although it can be argued that by moving in this direction, libraries are actually becoming more like community centers, it is more likely that as patrons take advantage of these new resources that they will discover the full services and information access that the library provides. The article discusses that “libraries should begin considering potential new ways to generate their own content.” Several ways that this could happen are by offering scheduled meetings with librarians so that authors can get assistance in research and editing. Also, libraries can research ways to help authors print their materials at affordable rates (such as the Espresso Book Machine --http://www.nytimes.com/2012/06/12/technology/12iht-ebooks12.html). Finally, by adding self-published content to the library collection, the library not only builds a stronger clientele, but also a unique collection that reflects the community.
As libraries continue to explore creative new options, they could consider providing darkroom access to photographers, studio spaces for artists, specialized computer labs for inventors, or merely develop groups for these specialists to come and work together. This new movement will change libraries from being providers of information, to institutions who create the information that they provide.
Here is the link to the article: To Remain Relevant, Libraries Should Help Patrons Create
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The idea that a library would create its own content is a fascinating concept. It would make the library more than just a repository or community center, but actually a center for cultural production much like an academic institution. In a sense, it would be like institutionalizing folklore. One way that this is already being accomplished is through the proliferation of blogging. If libraries actively helped users become acquainted with blogging it might stimulate the kind of creative growth that would establish libraries as node of cultural production and dissemination.
ReplyDeleteI agree this is a fascinating concept, and creation of content is not limited to blogging. Libraries can also assist patrons in creating video, photography, and music projects with the addition of digital media labs.
ReplyDeleteAlso, hackerspaces, or “public spaces with tools – 3D printers, drill presses, etc.,” allow people with common interests to come together and build things. They are just starting to pop up in libraries.
“Coworking spaces,” or gathering places for freelancers and small business owners are also beginning to gain in popularity.
Who knows if any of these will be successful stick around long-term? It’s all experimental for now while libraries try to adapt to rapidly changing technology.
To read more about digital media labs, hackerspaces, and coworking spaces, read the following: http://www.davidleeking.com/2011/12/15/content-creation-media-labs-and-hackerspaces/