“information behaviour of the researcher of the future.” Part 2
In the days of print, I don’t think library users believed that the Library was in anyway responsible for the packaging or format of the materials in the collection. The Library = The Collector, not The Library = The Creator. But at least library users identified the Library as the place to go to when research materials where needed.
In the digital age, the Library is not necessarily viewed as the provider of resources. In the Old World/New World transition, the Library is not the only gatekeeper for information and ”There is much evidence that young people are unaware of the Library sponsored content, or at least are reluctant to use it. This is the Library’s problem, not the fault of young people.” [information behaviour of the researcher of the future, page 20.]
Its a frustrating problem to be sure. Librarians are doing everything in their power to acquire digital resources, and to make sure you, the user, know about what the Library has licensed. Were just having trouble roping you back into our world. I think folks generally know that the Library is involved somehow. But the ease of IP access on a university campus, while fantastic, unfortunately cuts the Library out as the middleman in the transaction. Libraries have tried to make their presence known to the user by adding branding and logo information within vendor systems. But this is not possible to do everywhere with every resource. (Or is it……?)
Its hard to convey the connection between the Library and ”Library” resources. I agree with the authors of the information behaviour of the researcher of the future report that this is a Library problem. I admit to some personal frustration that I don’t always know how to better market the Library as a more visible presence. I do know that the Library has lost control of how and where the data is accessed. This is not necessarily a bad thing I guess.
Maybe we just need to follow the advice given by L. Gary Boomer in the World is Flat: “Those who get caught in the past and resist change will be forced deeper into commoditization. Those who can create value through leadership, relationships, and creativity will transform the industry, as well as strengthen relationships with their existing clients.”
OK. I’m ready for change and I want to create more value in what the Library has to offer. What’s the next step? How do we create more value instead of focusing on whether or not the user necessarily merely knows that we are responsible for some of the best digital content being accessed?