Norman, M. (2012).
FRAIL, FATAL, FUNDAMENTAL: THE FUTURE OF PUBLIC LIBRARIES. APLIS, 25(2), 94-100.
In "Frail, fatal, fundamental and the future of public
libraries" (Norman, 2012) Norman focuses on how
libraries must utilize technology and examines services and cost factors in
both staff time and financially. Norman argues if libraries don't change and
move forward with technology they will not survive.
Norman has the client interests and community needs at the
forefront of his discussion. Particularly community engagement, client
inclusion and access to costly technology. However, further consideration and
measures around the digital divide
across the local community, including how libraries can bridge the divide, would
provide evidence and greater methodology. Libraries play a greater role in
social and other services, such as assisting clients using e-services for
government forms for example (Taylor, Jaeger, McDermott, Kodama,
& Bertot, 2012, p. 4). Norman refers to Torrone's blog, making a
valid point considering community needs and the ability to "access
technology that is expensive and out of reach. In Torrone's blog, he suggests
"Libraries need to provide services the community may want and need but be
unable to afford such as 3D printers" (Torrone). A demonstration of 3-D
printers can be seen online ("3-D printer at Pueblo
library," 2013). As technology develops
rapidly, community wants and needs for their library technology does also.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dftZ_wzUk4k
Norman's discussion would have engaged library professionals
further by discussing how librarians can also move forward with the future of
libraries utilising technology and the future of the profession using
technology within services offered. As Prentice mentions, staff are continually
required to grow in their expertise and technology training (Prentice, 2011, p. 133). Librarians are expected to learn
and teach and technology plans are prominent in managing library budgets and technology
as discussed in detail by Neal-Schuman. Inventory, needs assessments, budgets and
timelines for staff are paramount. (Burke, 2009, pp. 233-237).
Norman has extensive experience working across public libraries
and offers some insight into his experience managing and working across local government library services (Kogarah
and Rockdale Public Libraries) alongside managing staff.
Cost based services and the cost of free services provide an
interesting perspective using thought provoking examples such as the cost of
staff time working on ILL requests for a small charge. Norman sees this as a value added service
where the cost/benefit is questionable. He makes a valid point when considering staff
time as a cost and where services are most effective for community needs.
Norman progresses with this point suggesting other cost/benefit services libraries
offer including children's programs as an excellent example of services that
may cost more in staff time but are incredibly important for community engagement,
literacy, lifelong learning, and as stated by Norman "each
parent/caregiver usually borrows 20-30 items after each session" (Norman, 2012, p. 96).
Challenges and considerations
regarding technology when planning library refurbishments and new buildings would
give breadth to Norman's "futuristic" discussion point. IFLA's 2011
conference "The effect of new technologies on library design: building the 21st
century library" gave various presentations on the impact of technology on
libraries and the profession, building needs and considerations that are
paramount for the future of public library success (IFLA, 2011).
Despite some deficiencies
in Norman's article, he reminds us the library is "the heart of a community's
social vibrancy" (Norman, 2012, p. 99). This is paramount regardless
of the physical space it provides. Statistics on library usage and perspectives
from libraries further afield would have provided support for his credible but
personal viewpoints also.
The author provides a
balanced view of the challenges libraries face when considering services.
Mark Norman
Ellis, K. (2012). It
means inclusion: a creative approach to disability and telecommunications
policy in Australia. Telecommunications Journal
of Australia, 62(2), 27.21-27.13.
It means inclusion: a creative approach to disability and
telecommunications policy in Australia, (Ellis, 2012) discusses how telecommunications including
the National Broadband Network (internet), digital television and mobile technology have enabled
people with a disability, access and the ability to connect with people. However,
issues around lack of policy, digital inclusion, and a lack of standardisation
require further consideration and action. The report also discusses the digital
divide and technological issues for users with a disability. Ellis aims to
ensure the NBN and other telecommunication technology has a formalised,
equitable policy ensuring people with a disability have equal access,
consideration and inclusion.
Ellis gives a short history of telecommunications and
adjustments to the Telecommunications Act 1997 including a pivotal case study (Ellis, 2012) Scott's case argued that
those with a hearing impairment did not have equal social access. His case
"confirmed telecommunications access as a basic human right" (Ellis, 2012, p. 27.23).
Social inclusion issues have clear and meaningful examples.
Internet access for people with a disability and the needs of varying
disabilities have not been considered by various companies producing technology.
A person with a hearing impairment may have different requirements using technology such as mobile phones or digital
televisions. Literacy is also an issue for social inclusion, as Ellis
demonstrates with the example regarding a hearing impaired person finding SMS
functionality challenging due to literacy issues (Ellis, 2012, p. 27.27). There are, however many
functionalities such as speech recognition that do assist those with a
disability in using mobile technology (Malathy & Kantha, 2013, p. 2).
Ellis discusses future considerations such as policy, technology
advancements and social inclusion for those with a disability. Participation
and consultation with people with a disability would add to the author's
discussion for example the Disability and Digital
Inclusion forum in Melbourne, a forum run through Infoxchange
Australia Boosting the capacity of community
organisations to use technology efficiently and effectively (Australia, 2013).
As Ellis mentions, Australia "must learn from the
mistakes of other nations to ensure people with disabilities can access these
exciting new digital telecommunications". Examples internationally would
give further evidence and viewpoints around digital inclusion and technological
advances. Microsoft for example have a policy framework in place including
points on focusing on outcomes rather than the usage of the technology itself.
Accessibility being the main consideration (Corporation, 2013, p. 4).
Ellis gives a balanced, well written discussion on the
strengths and weakness of various technologies when considering those with a
disability. Issues such as accessibility
and social inclusion have demonstrated examples to support her argument.
Libraries, M. A. C. o.
P. (2012). Tomorrow's Library: Discussion Paper (pp. 1-13). Victoria,
Australia. State Government of Victoria.
Tomorrow's Library: Your Voice. Shaping the future is a
discussion paper published by the Ministerial Advisory Council on Public
Libraries (MAC) representing the Victorian Library network. Introduction by
Hon. Jeanette Powell. Minister for Local Government (Libraries, 2012).
MAC was set up by the Victorian Government to ensure public
libraries "continue to provide for the information needs of Victoria's
many and diverse communities" (Libraries, 2012, p. 1) through forums of
consultation and feedback with stakeholders and public consultation, future
planning and what libraries will look like as time progresses. This paper is
stage one of two and therefore is inconclusive.
The study looks at the role of libraries and the key factors
for consideration. These are broken down into four significant areas which are
then discussed briefly.
There was very limited reference or discussion around the
digital divide, although referred to briefly in that "demographic, social,
economic, cultural and local factors" (Libraries, 2012, p. 3) should be considered. Further
discussion around successfully minimising the divide and clarifying digital
divide issues across Victorian communities would give greater insight particularly for community
stakeholders unfamiliar with the terminology.
Although the paper defined key areas outlined for
discussion, the statistics and quotes at the beginning of each topic were cumbersome
and at times unclear, however one statistic that was critical and beneficial
can be found prior to the introduction, whereby the value of libraries before discussing
a libraries role are introduced.
A definition of "social inclusion" should be given
also to benefit community stakeholders. The Collin's dictionary defines social
inclusion as "the provision of certain rights to all
individuals and groups in society, such as employment, adequate housing, health
care, education and training, etc" (Social Inclusion," 2013).
An interesting point under the Collections topic states that
statistically physical loans are on the decline however, information needs
digitally are increasing (Libraries, 2012, p. 4) An important note addressing
the importance for public libraries to carefully consider technology needs
within their community to support digital information requests. This was not
supported by further discussion.
At the base of each key factor, a few "challenges"
points are introduced. Although a great idea and a chance to pause for
consideration, some suggestions or possible solutions to these challenges for
further discussion or problem solving solutions for consideration using
technology would have been beneficial to both the professional stakeholders and
the community reading and partaking in the consultation process. Assumed
knowledge of terms including "LOTE" under the Collections
challenges is an example of this. LOTE refers to "languages other than
English" (LLC).
Methodologies were vague. Pros and cons with examples to
give more depth and understanding to the discussion would offer more
exploratory opportunities. An example being RFID as a challenge would have been
of great benefit, providing further explanation and discussion around issues
such as security using technology, in important consideration when considering technology
trends and products. Bolic also discusses issues such as counterfeiting,
interference and other issues surrounding RFID technology and its' ongoing
challenges due to technology advances (Bolic, Simplot-Ryl, &
Stojmenović, 2010).
Technology was not discussed in great detail and perhaps the
greatest consideration worth mentioning is how libraries will keep up with
changing and advanced technologies.
How will libraries maintain and integrate technology with
new systems and the cost of maintenance and upgrades? Considering possible partnerships would give
further discussion and explored other viewpoints such as Amazon's partnership
with schools regarding kindle use (Hastings, 2011).
Tomorrow's Libraries concluding paragraph was well written
and a satisfactory summary of the importance of libraries within the community.
A reminder that libraries are a focal point for the community. The importance of libraries in education and
literacy was a valuable point to add also.
The study as mentioned previously, is far from being
conclusive or comprehensive. Tomorrow's library offers some general outlines of
key areas libraries and the community need to consider when preparing for the
future of Victoria's libraries but with clearer definitions, examples
particularly when considering technology and statistics for community and
stakeholder consultation, this paper would receive positive feedback and concise
responses based on suggestions given.
All three papers have community and clients as the main
focus of their discussion, alongside the need to review and adapt progressively
to change regarding technology and trends. The digital divide, although not
prominent across all three papers, is a core issue. Limitations such as
financial costs and issues for various clients including those with a disability
require further exploration.
3-D printer at Pueblo library. (2013). Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dftZ_wzUk4k
Chichester, West Sussex: John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Wiley.
Paper
presented at the The effect of new technologies on library design: building the
21st century library, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.
Taylor, N. G., Jaeger, P. T., McDermott, A. J., Kodama, C. M., & Bertot, J. C. (2012). Public Libraries in the New Economy: Twenty-First-Century Skills, the Internet, and Community Needs. Public Library Quarterly, 31(3), 191-219. doi: 10.1080/01616846.2012.707106
