Yesterday, there was an op-ed in the Wall Street Journal titled In the Age of Google, Librarians Get Shelved (now behind a paywall for some – fyi!). You should all go read the article. Then come back, and let’s discuss.
Ok … first off, the article is completely wrong about libraries and librarians. It’s based on no library I’ve ever been to.
But here’s the rub. The article is written by someone who works in libraries. You can even Google the author and find out where he works, if you’re so inclined.
And that’s why I’m suggesting that you read the article (and why I’m linking to it): You, my dear, awesome reader, have people working in your library that believe this stuff.
No, not most of your staff. But perhaps a couple. You might even have a board member or library leader who believes this. You certainly have someone in your community that believes it.
Your job is to come up with short, factual answers to each of the author’s challenges.
Why? Because at some point, you will be asked why you exist in the Age of Google … and you need to have solid, understandable answers.
Image from the unquiet librarian