Libraries Adapt

I recently read an Issues article from The Tennesean (1/27/08) discussing the need for newspapers to adapt to meet the needs of readers. It's not only newspaper editors that are constantly faced with keeping readership and usage up. School libraries have had to re-examine how to reach out to students. Here at Ensworth, we have to do the same.

The Ensworth libraries have embraced technology on both campuses to the point that our library catalog is web-based and all our databases are accessible from any location that has internet access. We have created ways for students and faculty to NOT step foot into the library. Is this a sane thing to do? As librarians at Ensworth, we recognize that our community does not stop researching after 5pm once the doors are locked for the night. Our smallest students have their own computers at home and our community expects a 24/7 access to information. Over the MLK weekend, I received two phone calls and four emails from students requesting research guidance. I love those inquiries because we want our students to think beyond "Google" when looking for research material. If someone told me ten years ago I would be writing a "blog" and encouraging our students to check the library online resources, I would have been astounded and thought maybe they had read too much Ray Bradbury. (see previous blog)

To quote from the Issues article: "The challenge for editors across the nation is to take advantage of the new avenues for reaching residents in print and online-- and to ensure that coverage changes as community needs and interests change." We only need to adjust a few words to make this quote our own.

The on-going challenge for librarians across the nation is to take advantage of the new avenues for reaching our community in print and online. We will continue to have books on the shelves, create comfortable quiet nooks for reading around the fireplace, still have comfortable laps for the little ones, but also provide 24/7 access to quality research materials, provide thought provoking blogs and continue to stay in step with the future to always be a productive and important role in our community. - JMB