There are many ideas
that our library would like to try, however, some of the users are not having
it! They want personal touch or at least
communication face-to-face with a human.
They do not want the technology driven library with self-sign-in’s and
self-check-outs. Some do not want the impersonal-ness in the library of the
future. Then you have those who thrive
on the impersonal, and wish for the library to be a quiet space,
non-distracting, and yet still comfortable. How do we balance it out? How can we please everyone?
We have many patrons
who do not “feel” the need to explore our databases online and who shy away
from the technology tools, whether they be eReaders, Playaways, or Computers in
general to do their research. Then we
have the patrons who can do it themselves and want too, or at least try.
As a library we want to
shift to the Learning Commons Model and have so many users, of all ages, who
prefer one way versus the other. We try
to slowly integrate the changes and yet give instruction to those who are
uncomfortable or feel the “old” way was better.
I think either way the shift must be deliberate, keeping all informed,
and updated on the shift with the users in mind. The positive attitude of the staff will be
key to the shift. With a willing-ness to
assist all users.
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