Technoschism: the real world and libraries, librarians and our associations. A view from Canada
| Pages | 14-25 |
| Date | 01 January 2006 |
| Published date | 01 January 2006 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/01435120610647910 |
| Author | Stephen Abram |
| Subject Matter | Library & information science |
Technoschism: the real world and
libraries, librarians and
our associations
A view from Canada
Stephen Abram
Innovation, SirsiDynix, Toronto, Canada
Abstract
Purpose – The purpose of this article is to examine how library associations have adapted to recent
technological changes, and how this affects networking among members, providing professional
development opportunities, and advocating for the profession and their users.
Design/methodology/approach – The author examines 12 challenges facing library associations.
Findings – The paper proposes that library associations should base their organization around the
three principles of sensemaking, influencing, and sharing stories.
Originality/value – The paper provides a useful insight into the problems of change management
for library associations from the viewpoint of an experienced library professional.
Keywords Change management,Libraries, Information organizations, Canada
Paper type Research paper
This is my 25th year since graduating from library school. In that time I have held
about five primary positions in both libraries and vendors. I have assumed leadership
positions in library and technology associations at the provincial, national and
international level. I have the opportunity to attend and speak to hundreds of
conferences and seminars. I have taught at the graduate level in a number of
universities and colleges and had the joy of connecting with new library workers
regularly. Another great opportunity for me has been to be deeply involved in the
major sectors of our profession – public libraries, special libraries of all types, college
and university libraries, school libraries, library vendors (aggregators, publishers and
software), archives and records centers. I have been a library worker, manager and
leader. As a vendor I have contributed to many of the innovations that have helped to
change our landscape – from microfilm through online and CD-ROM to DVD and the
web. On a personal level I have two children, a boy 20 and a girl 17, who can only be
described as typical Millennials. My wife has published about 25 books in many
formats (even hard copy!), along with content for CD-ROMs, web sites and audiotapes.
I have also written hundreds of articles about my profession and contributed chapters
to several books. In recent years I have done web-based courses, teleconferences,
television shows, radio shows, newscasts, podcasts, blogs and more. I am a keen
watcher of our profession and avid collector of the changes we have experienced over
25 years in technology and our users.
I tell you this not to bore you with a dry recitation of my curriculum vitae. I am
setting the stage to deliver what the editors of Library Management asked for – an
The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available at
www.emeraldinsight.com/0143-5124.htm
LM
27,1/2
14
Received 21 July 2005
Accepted 3 October 2005
Library Management
Vol. 27 No. 1/2, 2006
pp. 14-25
qEmerald Group Publishing Limited
0143-5124
DOI 10.1108/01435120610647910
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