Do libraries matter?
Abstract
Purpose
This editorial considers the question “do libraries matter?” from a variety of perspectives and angles.
Design/methodology/approach
Four recent documents are examined – Chad and Miller's, 2005 white paper, “Do libraries matter? The rise of Library 2.0.” from Talis; the Bibliographic Services Task Force (BSTF) final report (December 2005) from the University of California, Rethinking How We Provide Bibliographic Services for the University of California; OCLC's 2005, Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources; and the Horizon Report, 2006, a collaboration between The New Media Consortium and the EDUCAUSE Learning Initiative, an EDUCAUSE program.
Findings
Several themes surface again and again in the documents examined. These include: the increasing impact of emerging technologies on our users and on our libraries; changing attitudes toward technology and communication; and changing interests, behaviors, habits and expectations of our modern users. The article concludes that while libraries and information professionals are relevant in today's society, the challenge to remain as relevant as other information providers is indeed formidable, and remaining relevant demands change.
Practical implications
Informs and stimulates discussion about the information landscape and our place and position in it.
Originality/value
Reinforces the widely‐held belief that libraries matter, and that libraries, as well as information professionals remain relevant in today's world. Challenges the reader to think about significant issues and trends impacting libraries today.
Keywords
Citation
Barbara Watstein, S. and Mitchell, E. (2006), "Do libraries matter?", Reference Services Review, Vol. 34 No. 2, pp. 181-184. https://doi.org/10.1108/00907320610669416
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2006, Emerald Group Publishing Limited