« Logging on the Local | HomePage | Reasons Libraries Close »
22/03/2005
Threats to Survival of Libraries
Scenario one: Small satellite university library with highly specialised collection under threat of closure. Dedicated lib’n with guts and nous for promotion. Constantly promotes the collection and tools to staff and students, which includes training.
Scenario two: Small satellite university library with highly specialised collection under threat of closure. Cynical lib’n who doesn’t like the students or staff (or possibly any other human) the physical library, collection or her job. Never talks to anyone about new tools, never does training, hides out the back and leaves everything up to her junior staff.
Guess which library is cut? The first one got so much support from the staff and students that management decided to leave it alone. Library staff are often the biggest threat to the existence of libraries. It constantly amazes me that such a high percentage of library staff don’t promote their library and don’t see promotion as either needed or part of their job.
12:42 Permalink | Email this