According to the inaugural professorial lecture of professor Anne Goulding, Professor of Library and Information Management at Victoria University, Public libraries need to look beyond offering books in order to ensure their survival.
In the lecture Goulding explored the many issues surrounding the role of public libraries including how they are responding to changes in the political, social, technological and economic environment.
In a press release issued by Victoria University, Professor Goulding says libraries remain important because they’re non-commercial spaces at the centre of communities and offer opportunities for everyone for self-education.
According to Goulding, measuring the performance of a library can be a complex proposition; “I don’t believe measuring how many people walk in the door and how many books are issued tells the full story-it’s those stories about the person who did a CV writing workshop at the library and got out appropriate books that helped them get a job that demonstrate the difference libraries make to people’s lives.”
Goulding says many libraries are becoming community hubs offering public information, in addition to their usual library services.
Goulding also talks up the role of libraries in bridging the digital divide by offering free internet services so people can engage with digital technologies;”With the Government wanting the public to increase use of its online services, it’s essential that a free space is available where members of the public can receive assistance to access these services,”
Goulding rejects the notion that the internet has reduced the need for library services, saying that “Most librarians see the digital age as an opportunity to extend their services.”
Goulding goes on to say that eBooks have helped libraries connect with new audiences and that Libraries are using digital channels such as Twitter, Facebook and blogs to engage with communities. Gouldingh also states that archival information such as photos, letters and newspaper articles are more accessible thanks to digitisation.
Goulding says that libraries should be treated as community living rooms; “The libraries of today aren’t strictly quiet, bookish spaces-many of them offer zones where talking is welcome. They also facilitate community bonding through hosting community groups and story-time sessions for children. It’s important that libraries are spaces where everybody feels comfortable.”
Professor Goulding’s lecture can be seen here