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Transforming Texas
Libraries |
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Libraries of all types serve people. In doing so, libraries serve society. We help make kids successful in school; we facilitate research and people graduating from colleges and universities; and we support people trying to get jobs, start businesses, and improve their lives. Libraries, as centers for education and lifelong learning, influence people individually and collectively. Whether we describe ourselves as the “library community” or “information architects,” we are the historic leaders in the organization and delivery of knowledge and information resources. We are committed to advancing the causes of literacy, education, and the individual’s opportunity for self betterment. Our work is performed in service of people, institutions, and higher goals. We are not a function driven endeavor; we are outcome driven. Our core values center on providing equitable access to information, promoting education, protecting intellectual freedom, and advocating for literacy and lifelong learning. We recognize that, while these tenets remain unchanged, we must promulgate them in a constantly changing environment. Given the critical contribution of libraries to society and democracy, those of us committed to these goals must not only master new technologies and practices; we must ensure that libraries both embody and reflect the dynamic world of today and tomorrow. The Challenges Before Us Learning and information services are evolving faster than ever before. Advances in technology seem to yield new products and services every few months, and public and private consumers are seeking ways to maximize these new opportunities. The world of information services has indeed become one global network, where interconnectivity, integration, and interoperability characterize the framework for future deployment of any information service. Consumer expectation is high. One of the key components of most current information services is the empowerment afforded to individual users. Consumers want access to the full breadth of information resources and adapt quickly to new tools that let them exploit these resources in diverse and creative ways. Business, education, and social communication are now built on the premise that information should be customized and instantaneously available. The model for learning—at all levels and arenas—is one that strives to empower the individual with the skills to find and tailor the vast world of information. What does this mean for libraries and other cultural and teaching institutions? Libraries and the changing environment Texas libraries have a long tradition of meeting and addressing the external pressures of new technologies, changes in educational pedagogy, and public expectation. In many ways, libraries have traditionally been at the forefront of such efforts. Now, however, three factors are changing the equation:
Our customers want to be able to use their PDAs to order DVDs, while listening to music, between work sessions to finish an online homework assignment or completing some financial transaction. These customers make very little distinction between a public library, a school library, or an academic one. We must strategize and plan in some very important areas to meet these challenges and not fall behind our users’ expectations. The public perception of libraries is still mainly one based on traditional books and bricks. Even though some libraries are embracing new technologies and services, libraries are often characterized by our traditional service role. While we recognize that many of our longstanding services are now – and will continue to be – needed, particularly by individuals who lack the skills and private resources to access this modern information network, we must transform our services to meet our users’ needs, affect public perception so that we are not merely valued for what “we were,” and integrate our work and services with other organizations and communication and learning structures. For several years now, Texas librarians have often discussed “taking the library to users.” We must now add “through whatever mechanism or structure is most convenient to them.” Questions facing the Texas library community These issues represent some of the most fundamental concerns of those in the library industry, and they translate into very real operations questions for the statewide community as well as for individual libraries.
In short, what should the Texas library community “look like” and do ten years from now? And, what do we need to get there? How do we transform? The last statewide library planning process took place with Access Texas back in the early 1990s. Many, if not most, of the plans and goals outlined in that document have been realized. As with all such planning processes, the outcome is not only the final products but also the useful and productive engagement of the library community. After having faced some difficult budget and policy limitations from state and federal governments, recent funding is re-energizing the library community. With this renewed optimism and the growing question of “Are libraries still relevant?,” the Texas library community is poised to take a creative and bold step forward. State library leaders are united in their desire to lead and build statewide enthusiasm and consensus in the development of all Texas libraries. We are calling now for a broad, statewide planning process. Our aim is to involve all library stakeholders and representatives from TLA, state agencies (including the Texas Education Agency, the Higher Coordinating Board, the Texas State Library and Archives Commission), and public groups who must be at the forefront of library development in the future. This process will begin with a statewide summit in the fall. National and Texas leaders will provide a broad and exciting (if at times, daunting) perspective of libraries now and in the future. This kick-off event will mark the beginning of statewide work undertaken by to be named task forces who will research and present findings and recommendations on a broad spectrum of issues including: services, library resource sharing, collaboration and multi-type programming, governance, funding, staffing and the profession, and public awareness among others. No fixed format has been set. And, no strategic development issues for any type library are off the table. This is our opportunity to plan. These groups will present their draft findings and recommendations at the TLA Annual Conference in April 2008 and throughout the state. The library community will then work on a final document and series of recommendations that will serve as a statewide building plan for library development.
Timeline & Format for
Kick-Off Summit:
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