Stating the problem: the grammar of repositories
| Pages | 210-220 |
| Date | 13 June 2016 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/LM-01-2016-0007 |
| Published date | 13 June 2016 |
| Author | Steve O'Connor |
| Subject Matter | Library & information science,Librarianship/library management,HR in libraries |
Stating the problem: the
grammar of repositories
Steve O’Connor
Information Exponentials Consultancy, Lismore, Australia
Abstract
Purpose –Libraries face a “selling”job on the relationship between print and digital as the mode of
delivery for content. Too often it is limply said that “everything is on the web”when we know that it is
not or that licensed access to the content is not always available. The Lyon’s Declaration promotes
freedom of access to information, yet libraries live and work with this paradox. How will the ambitions
of the Lyon Declaration be met? So while it is ironic that everything is said to be on the web while it is
not, we have powerful evidence of their dynamic purpose and value. This conference series has dealt
with this confronting riddle, evolving and refining, but not quite finding the defining moment. The
purpose of this paper is to explore the many interfaces here. By understanding this paradox of print
and digital we should see the future of the repositories and libraries more clearly and position them
more exactly.
Design/methodology/approach –The paper explores the rich divergence of responses to the use
and development of repositories and proposes future directions. It is an experiential paper as well as
one guided by future planning perspectives.
Findings –There is a need for a reconceptualisation of the role of print repositories blending in digital
solutions together with the more traditional solutions. There is also a strong need for repositories to
collaborate internationally in order to be able to render their own work and collections valid and
effective in a much wider context.
Originality/value –This paper is a series of observations and lessons. It is an extension of practical
and managerial work in developing and managing repositories and their collections both in Australia
and in Hong Kong. It is a collection views designed to stimulate and potentially guide library
practitioners who are thinking and working in this area.
Keywords Planning, Digital collections, Repositories, Business models, Disruption, Print collections
Paper type Conceptual paper
“The more abstract a truth which one wishes to teach, the more one must first entice the
senses”(Frederick Nietzsche as quoted in Riddle, 2015).
This paper will explore what might be termed the grammar of repository libraries.
There is a wonderful book as a visual book of grammar. It is The Greatest Gatsby:
a visual book of grammar by Tohby Riddle. This book has an excellent preface from
which I would like to quote very briefly:
There are trees older
than the English language.
If the English language
Were a tree, however,
It would make a very unusual one.
Its many roots would reach far
Library Management
Vol. 37 No. 4/5, 2016
pp. 210-220
©Emerald Group Publishing Limited
0143-5124
DOI 10.1108/LM-01-2016-0007
Received 28 January 2016
Revised 11 April 2016
Accepted 12 April 2016
The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available on Emerald Insight at:
www.emeraldinsight.com/0143-5124.htm
This revised paper was originally delivered at the Kuopio Conference 21-22 May, 2015.
210
LM
37,4/5
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