[Publib] A further signpost on the road to our oblivion (Live

[Jesse Ephraim]

>It does seem that just as we've lost the
>answer business to Google and Wikipedia,
>we're about to lose the book business to
>these digitization efforts.

>So our future is . . . ?  Our planning should
>entail . . . ?  Comments?

We need to continue to adapt.

I don't think we've lost the "answer business," or are about to lose the
"book business."  Many libraries see fewer routine reference questions,
but see an increase in questions about finding things online, using new
technologies, and using software.  The questions aren't necessarily
disappearing - they're just changing.  Our skill sets and services need
to change to match those new needs.

One problem I have seen with some librarians is an unwillingness - or
lack of drive, at least - to keep their online and tech skills updated.
Library school should just be the beginning of the process of learning
librarianship - continuous skill improvement is going to be a big part
of the profession as we move along.  The way for us to survive as a
profession is to make sure that we stay current on the needs of our
patrons and the worlds they live in.

As far as books go, I doubt that they will be going away anytime soon.
E-book readers will continue to improve (e-paper is the thing that
excites me), but we have several living generations who enjoy the
visceral feel of a book.

Jesse Ephraim

Adult Services Librarian
Southlake Public Library
1400 Main Street, Suite 130
Southlake, TX  76092
(817) 748-8247
jephraim at ci.southlake.tx.us