Charting a multi-dimensional role of future librarians
| Published date | 15 August 2017 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/LM-03-2017-0030 |
| Pages | 302-311 |
| Date | 15 August 2017 |
| Author | Loriene Roy,Elizabeth Kennedy Hallmark |
| Subject Matter | Library & information science,Librarianship/library management,HR in libraries,Library strategy,Library promotion |
Charting a multi-dimensional role
of future librarians
Loriene Roy and Elizabeth Kennedy Hallmark
School of Information, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
Abstract
Purpose –The purpose of this paper is to involve readers in an exercise in conceptualizing the library
workplace of the future and how to prepare librarians to be successful in these future scenarios.
Design/methodology/approach –This paper introduces a vis ualization exercise that invites reade rs to
contemplate the likelihood and desirability of five scenarios for libraries of the future. Readers are also
invited to create a new scenario. Readers then can reflect on the skills and aptitudes librarians would need
to have or acquire in order t o succeed in one of the scenarios. The met hod involves visualization, ref lection,
and self-assessment.
Findings –The authors have tested this exercise in in-service training with public, academic, and special
librarians as well as with students in graduate library and information science courses. The end result is deep
conversation, engagement, and sharing.
Research limitations/implications –The authors have observations on the effectiveness of this future
exercise with students and practicing librarians but did not structure its use as a research project. In years of
attending conferences and delivering over 600 conference presentations, the authors have yet to observe a
similar future exercise being employed.
Practical implications –This exercise promotes ref lection and discussion. It en ables librarians to
consider these scenarios on their own or in groups of varyingsizes. It has application in understanding the
complexity of futuri sm and how it might impact the ir future lives. And it em phases that individua l
librarians have some de gree of independence in how they r espond to change and, ultimately , a future much
different from the present.
Social implications –Libraries are social institutions and their services reflect and respond to changes in
society. Recent changes in governance around the world, warfare, the refugee crisis, and episodes of violence
have contributed to tension. These are the times when librarians are called on more than ever to respond.
Considering possible and improbable futures and one’s response to those futures are helpful in preparing
one’s professional response in these difficult times.
Originality/value –This paper introduces an original model for discussing many possible futures for
libraries and for librarians to consider their roles in those futures.
Keywords Instruction, Libraries, Future, Exercise, Manuscript, Revisions
Paper type Viewpoint
The future is not a single linear destination where we depart and arrive, together, at the
same time, all traveling in the same direction. It is a place of multiple destinations with
varying times of departure and arrival from varied perspectives. Rather than mapping a
conceptual future space for what we might call a library, where individuals we might still
call librarians could be found, it is best to consider the shifting and evolving landscape of
opportunities and challenges that exist within everyday life. These are the energies that
would create the library of tomorrow and impact and define the future roles of librarians.
In considering the many dimensions of the future, it is best to ask: what will remain of what
we currently know and do through libraries? What will change? And, consequently, which
of our current roles will continue and which will evolve in ways we can now only imagine?
Change: in libraries and librarians
In his book, Library 2020: Today’s Leading Visionaries Describe Tomorrow’s Library, Janes
organized 23 essays from invited contributors into five content areas. These contributors
wrote of future views of stuff (the material that libraries collect, organize, and share), people,
community, place, and leadership and vision ( Janes, 2013). Thus, one look atthe future roles
Library Management
Vol. 38 No. 6/7, 2017
pp. 302-311
© Emerald PublishingLimited
0143-5124
DOI 10.1108/LM-03-2017-0030
Received 5 March 2017
Revised 11 April 2017
Accepted 19 April 2017
The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available on Emerald Insight at:
www.emeraldinsight.com/0143-5124.htm
302
LM
38,6/7
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