A discussion on the future of librarianship
Wow, folks are talkin’, and I’m so glad about it!
As someone who is working on her MLIS, I am always interested in reading about the future of the profession, no matter how wonderful – or bleak – some may predict it to be. It’s important to critically analyze where the profession is, where it’s going, and where it can go.
Three posts – and the comments generated by them – have my head spinning (in a good way):
First, Karin Dalziel (Nirak.net – the Musings of a LIS student): Why every library science student should learn programming
Then Matt Hamilton (Brewin’ Librarian): What I’m Finding as an Information Professional
And a response by Bobbi Newman (Librarian by Day) with her post, What’s the Matter with our Profession?
I don’t claim to have answers – I’m only a rookie in the world of librarianship – but it is clearly obvious that librarianship/libraries/librarians are changing as information changes and the way people want/need information. As for the solution, well, what’s the right thing to do today may likely be out of date tomorrow, but it is good we’re discussing this… Either way, the profession needs people who can adapt and are willing to adjust to professional, societal, and economic changes (just to name a few variables). I don’t think this is just a librarianship issue, however; I believe, actually, that any profession needs adaptable professionals or problems with relevancy will exist (and persist!) For example, in my day job as an academic adviser on a college campus, the very field of advising — which is about sharing information and educating students regarding university policies, academic programs, appropriate resources and so on – also demands adaptation. We cannot solely depend on traditional ways of advising (i.e., make an appointment and wait a week to see an adviser)… Over the past several years, I’ve seen academic advisers and departments incorporate new ways of advising via email advising, instant messaging, text and even through social networking sites as Facebook and Twitter.
I believe a big part – which has never changed – is that it’s all about the constituents we serve. As such, we should tailor our delivery and programs the way that best works with our constituents in a way that they want and need.
That’s just the tip of the iceberg, of course… there is so much more to this discussion, which is why I have enjoyed reading what others have to share.
Other thoughts:
