Change in the library: the viewpoint of a columnist
| Published date | 12 November 2018 |
| Date | 12 November 2018 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/ILS-05-2018-0040 |
| Pages | 613-617 |
| Author | Bruce Massis |
| Subject Matter | Library & information science,Librarianship/library management,Library & information services |
Change in the library: the
viewpoint of a columnist
Bruce Massis
Columbus State Community College, Columbus, Ohio, USA
Abstract
Purpose –The purpose of this study is to reflect on the author’s decade as a columnist for New Library
World andInformation and Learning Science.
Design/methodology/approach –This paper provides literaturereview and commentary on this topic
that has been addressedby professionals, researchers and practitioners.
Findings –When a patronapproaches a librarian with a question, andthe resources are discovered that can
aid and support that patron in finding a solution to his or her dilemma, the stock of the librarian rises,
reminding the public that with all the changes around the profession since the advent of the internet, the
human touch, that face-to-face interaction and personal communication skill, still remains a significant
instrumentin the librarian’s customer services toolkit.
Originality/value –The value in exploring this topicis for others to acknowledge that which has been
gained overtime by an experienced library colleague.
Keywords Resources, Libraries, Knowledge, Internet, Budgets, Patron
Paper type Viewpoint
Introduction
As a columnist for the journal New Library World and then Information and Learning
Science over the course of a decade, writing the column, “What’s New in Libraries”, I have
explored numerous considerations regarding what has been described as “new”in
libraries. I have studied the trends, fads and innovations to which I have attached a
viewpoint as a library professional. I have, as a working writer, attempted to describe
these nuances affecting the profession and the services that library professionals provide
from my own perspective and through the work of the many colleagues weighing in on
similar topics. In presenting a perspective that resulted from research and the work of
others in the library and allied fields, I have sought to ensure that valuable discussion
could emerge from these columns that would merge professional lines and find
commonality in the efforts of public and academic librarians and the libraries in which
they work. The value and importance of speaking out and debating the issues of the day
within the library profession has often positioned the librarian directly at the center of
these discussions. Such debate has often resulted in fruitful outcomes for library patrons.
Therefore, when a patron approaches a librarian with a question, and the resources are
discovered that can aid and support that patron in finding a solution to his or her
dilemma, the stock of the librarian rises, reminding the public that with all of the changes
around the profession since the advent of the internet, the human touch, that face-to-face
interaction and personal communication skill, still remains a significant instrument in the
librarian’s customer services toolkit.
Declaration: I declare that there is no potential conflict of interest in the research.
Change in the
library
613
Received15 May 2018
Accepted15 May 2018
Informationand Learning Science
Vol.119 No. 11, 2018
pp. 613-617
© Emerald Publishing Limited
2398-5348
DOI 10.1108/ILS-05-2018-0040
The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available on Emerald Insight at:
www.emeraldinsight.com/2398-5348.htm
To continue reading
Request your trial