Librarians and Libraries as Twenty-first Century Transformers

Abstract

Libraries are staples of the community. Yet, libraries are threatened everyday with the possibility of losing even more funding for staffing, services, and programs, or closing indefinitely due to budget cuts and decision-makers not understanding the value of libraries and librarians and library staff. While there may be fewer libraries in the future, libraries are here to stay. However, the role of librarians and libraries are changing. Whereas before, the library was a quiet place to study, a place to check out books, and a place to participate in storytime, libraries of the twenty-first century are becoming the place for all things related to people and customer service. Twenty-first-century librarianship is a business about serving the people. For the library to sustain itself, it must be the center of the community. Librarians must understand this notion. Library leaders must work collaboratively with community partners and citizens to transform their thinking and exceed expectations of the community. This chapter will discuss the role of librarians and libraries as change agents. This chapter will also share real examples of effective programs and services, why these programs and services are important, and ways one may implement these program models at their library.

Citation

Davis, A. (2021), "Librarians and Libraries as Twenty-first Century Transformers", Hill, R.F. (Ed.) Hope and a Future: Perspectives on the Impact that Librarians and Libraries Have on Our World (Advances in Librarianship, Vol. 48), Emerald Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 133-138. https://doi.org/10.1108/S0065-283020210000048014