Need I say that libraries are changing? Special libraries, public libraries, and academic libraries are all trying to redefine themselves. We need to be reflective and responsive; that is a good thing. I am concerned that academic libraries are still having a hard time letting go of the need to be a “big box of books.” We have shifted our focus from paper to digital documents. We collect e-books and plead with faculty to give us their pre-prints for our repositories. We want to archive data (though it remains unclear if we really understand data). Don’t get me wrong, there is a role to play here. However, I see these initiatives as transitory. The Googles of this world will eventually decide that they are better at archiving and delivering our digital content, for much cheaper, and University Admins will outsource to them. The age of the information intermediaries is drawing to a close.
As the information world becomes more complex, and the amount of information increases exponentially, even digital natives are finding it hard to navigate that ocean of information. What they need are experts in the nature, forms, and locations of information. They need skilled guides, navigators, and instructors. We are very good at these things. But they won’t find us if we stay hidden within the walls of our book fortresses. Below is my call and manifesto for library change.
David H. Michels 