Managing Library Education
Managing for change is just as controversial in library schools as it is in corporations.The advances in technology over the past decades have forced library schools to educate technologically astute librarians.At the same time, many educators fear that the emphasis on technology may be eroding the concepts of service that have always been a part of the profession.The issue of incorporating technologies into a core curriculum without eviscerating the historical and ethical portion of the professional education has been debated widely.The question is how can the library schools bring technology into the program and still keep the traditional aspects which are important to the profession and to the accrediting body of the American Library Association.This paper will explore a variety of issues relating to redefining the education of librarians and address several models that are emerging from some of the highly regarded programs.
The “L” Word
The issue of technology in libraries and thus the need for librarians to be technologically literate is not the matter of much debate.What is debatable is the organizational framework within which the technological education of librarians will take place.In fact, one of the most contentious issues is whether it is librarians being educated.Tenopir (2000) points out that the word “library” has been dropped from the names of such schools as the Universities of Tennessee, Michigan, and Syracuse.The new schools are called more generic names like “School of Information.”The emphasis on information sciences, especially information technologies, is of concern to many.Wiegand (2000) worried that “LIS educators [are] so eager to drop the ‘L’ word from their program ...
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Librarians are defined as “a person, typically with a degree in library science, who administers or assists in a library.” In truth, they are much more than that. In a recent interview with Traci Glass, the Teen Librarian at the Eugene Public library, we explored her personal story with becoming a librarian, including how it has benefitted and affected her life.
From my perspective as a library graduate student, however, my attention was drawn to the section titled "Library School is Revolting." This collection of essays explores questions such as "Are we really learning the practical skills necessary to be librarians, such as public relations and professional writing?" and "Is accreditation really a big deal?" While I felt fortunate that some of the not-so-subtle digs at library schools didn't really apply too heavily to SIRLS, some of it is familiar enough to make you laugh (or cry).
This library system is utilizing all the technologies and materials available to them to serve the community in the best way. Despite certain social indicators and demographic statistics indicating that the library should not be overly utilized, it is thriving and is heavily in use. There are areas that the library can look to improve based on statistical evidence, such as reaching out to the low income population and the over 55 years age group. This library seems to be meeting numerous needs for a wide range of patrons, and doing it well.
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The lectures by Jessica Gillis and Lisa Nowlain showed how a youth services librarian does not fit under one definition and may have very different roles depending on the position. While both obtained their degrees from San Jose State University, their vision and geographical preferences have led them in very different directions.
Hudak, Tina. (2008). Are Librarians reading teachers, too? Library Media Connection, 26(5). (Hudak, Tina, 2008)
...e pursuit of knowledge that thrived in the ancient library. The old library encouraged the public to debate, create and invent. The new library is carrying that legacy forward” (Mohsen Zahran).
Librarians condemn the loss of their beloved "L" word and have even demanded the ALA refuse to accredit schools that drop it. Names are important. By its name, we recognize the character and purpose of an organization. A library science school has a clear, focused mission - to educate and train students to become librarians. By contrast, the mission of an information school is broader and may (or may not) include the basic training of librarians. Being precise by nature, librarians prefer a name that is descriptive. More importantly, the "L" word signifies the rich cultural heritage that is librarianship.
...of Library and Information Sciences, Third Edition (pp. 1507–1517). Taylor & Francis. Retrieved from http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1081/E-ELIS3-120043240
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... to the Library and that have generally been underused resources. B. Greater use of the Library's Capitol Hill facilities by scholars for the kind of interdisciplinary, cross-cultural, multimedia, multilingual, and synthetic writing that is important to Congressional deliberation and national policy-making, but inadequately encouraged both by special interest groups and by advocacy-oriented think tanks; and C. Greater use by the general public through programs that stimulate interest, increase knowledge, and encourage more citizens to use the collections on-site and electronically.”The Library employees will add their position as information guides by “helping more people find appropriate materials in a swelling sea of unsorted information” and directing them to services and resources exclusive to the Library of Congress. This requires not only more growth of employees that the Library has formerly had, but also making it easier in new ways more wide-ranging and “systematic use by researchers of the distinctive materials that only the Library of Congress has.” Courses for the common public, such as displays or publications, must display the importance and value of the collections.
The Library Commons at Olathe Northwest is a natural extension of the secondary library’s traditional mission in a digital world. My library offers a wide range of elements to foster student learning in new and creative ways. My goal is that this space fits the need of every student. Students who need to complete an assigned task that calls for collaboration can meet in the library and plan, discuss and complete their assignment. At the same time other students can be searching for a great book or looking online for sports scores or prom dresses. The forty computers in the library offer access for any student who walks in the door. And just in case more computers are needed, a wireless laptop can be called into service.
Library managers should organize technology-based training for librarians in order to make them comfortable with new technologies and more aware of their dangers. Since technology skills are important part of most library and information jobs, librarians should make sure they acquire technological skills continuously. University libraries should employed qualified information and technology specialist and troubleshooters to maximize system accessibility and provide a level of comfort to the librarians.