Book Syrup

One of the things that is interesting about the foundational readings—pieces written within the two decades spanning 1992-2012—is how current the recommendations feel during the time of COVID-19 and library closures. As Mathews (2012) states, “It’s not about adding features, but about new processes” (p. 1). Throughout the past year and a half, libraries have been challenged to offer their services in accessible ways. They did not do anything different than programming, offering materials, etc. Rather, they offered those items to the public in new formats.

At the end of March 2020, my youth services team had just wrapped up planning for the Summer Learning Program scheduled to start in the second week of June. Suddenly, our plans were upended, and we had to begin again. What we did not do was to add new things to our lineup. Instead, we figured out how to offer what we had already planned in new ways—through virtual formats and grab-and-go materials. Entertainers migrated from in-person to online, and apps were offered instead of paper forms to keep track of minutes read. We did things I had been advocating for since I was hired—to create a YouTube channel, be more intentional with our social media, and engage in ways beyond the traditional in-person Storytime.

Another way things have shifted is through how our patrons consume library materials. Buckland (1992) discussed ebooks as a part of the evolution of libraries. In the past, I found that parents and caregivers were reluctant to embrace electronic library platforms such as OverDrive and Hoopla, at least when those services were used for children and teens. Each month, I could expect around $2000 worth of requests and holds for ebooks and audiobooks for the youth side of our rural community. Last month, that number increased to over $10,000, reflecting that evolution. As stated by Casey and Savastinuk (2007), downloadable media serves “as a proactive attempt to reach out to new users and remain relevant to current ones” (p. 17). In Jaws, Brody realized they were going to need a bigger boat (MovieClips, 2011). To stay relevant, I am going to need a bigger budget.

Mathews (2012) puts it succinctly, “Which side of the revolution will we be on?” (p. 1). I am truly hoping we as library professionals are on the side of innovation and service to patrons, embracing change and delivering new opportunities to the public. The current pandemic has put these challenges into stark relief. The evolution of library services has been accelerated, and it is up to librarians and library staff to address those needs.

References

Buckland, M. K. (1992). Redesigning library services: A manifesto. American Library Association. 

Casey, M. E., & Savastinuk, L. C. (2007). Library 2.0: A guide to participatory library service. Information Today.

Mathews, B. (2012). Think like a startup. https://vtechworks.lib.vt.edu/bitstream/handle/10919/18649/Think%20like%20a%20STARTUP.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y

MovieClips. (2011, June 16). Jaws (1975). [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/2I91DJZKRxs