1. The Community Library in
the 21st Century
Stephen Abram, MLS
Cengage Learning [Gale]
These slides will be available on Stephen’s Lighthouse blog Jan. 12, 2012
2. Is there still life in
libraries in a web world?
Yes, but . . .
6. 7 Gifts to Libraries, Publishers & Booksellers
1. The book isn’t dead or dying. It is evolving.
2. Our users/customers are improving.
3. Technology is going social and can support social
acts.
4. The PC isn’t dead, but, again, it’s evolving and more
mobile.
5. We know more about our information use than
ever before.
6. Talent, Insight, Community, have social value.
7. Opportunities always exist more in times of change
14. Questions for Libraries & Publishers Today:
1. Are our priorities right?
2. Are learning, research, discovery changing
materially and what is actually changing?
3. Books. Meh.
4. What is the role of information and
recreational reading in the real future (that is
not an extension of the past)?
5. Are we ready for the 21st Century world that
will be or the 20th Century one that was?
15. What Are Libraries Really For?
• Community
• Learning
• Discovery
• Progress
• Research (Applied and Theoretical)
• Cultural & Knowledge Custody / Conservation
• Economic Impact
20. Why do people read?
1. To learn
2. To engage in hearing other’s opinions (to agree or disagree or understand)
3. To develop more knowledge about myself and develop as a whole person
4. To be entertained and laugh, to engage and interact
5. To address boredom and the inexorable progress of time
6. To research and keep up-to-date
7. To participate well in civil society (everything from news to voting)
8. To be informed (and maybe smarter)
9. To understand others (individually and culturally)
10. To escape our day-to-day lives
11. To stimulate the imagination and be inspired or spiritual
12. To write and communicate better through reading others
13. To teach
14. To have something to talk about
15. To connect with like-minded people
36. The Baker’s Dozen: LVA Top 13
1. Health and Wellness / Community Health / Nutrition / Diet /
Recovery
2. DIY Do It Yourself Activities and Car Repair
3. Genealogy
4. Test prep (SAT, ACT, occupational tests, etc. etc.)
5. Legal Questions (including family law, divorce, adoption, etc)
6. Hobbies, Games and Gardening
7. Local History
8. Consumer reviews (Choosing a car, appliance, etc.)
9. Homework Help (grade school)
10. Technology Skills (software, hardware, web)
11. Government Programs, Services and Taxation
12. Self-help/personal development
13. Careers (jobs, counselling, etc.)
14. Readers Advisory was 14th
37. The new
bibliography and
collection
development
KNOWLEDGE
PORTALS
KNOWLEDGE,
LEARNING,
INFORMATION &
RESEARCH
COMMONS
53. Why do people ask questions?
Who, What, When, Where
How & Why
Data – Information – Knowledge - Behavior
To Learn or to Know
To Acquire Information, Clarify, Tune
To Decide, to Solve, to Choose, to Delay
To Interview, Delve, Interact, Progress
To Entertain or Socialize
To Reduce Fear
To Help, Aid, Cure, Be a Friend
To Win A Bet
79. Essentials for Advocacy
Someone who needs to care
Courage
Trustworthy
Passion
Belief
Proofs
Stories and Knowledge
Respect for whom you need to influence
Understanding beyond caricature (e.g.
Politicians, the “Boss”, Teachers, Teens, Seniors,
The “Public”, Vendors...)
92. The Virtual Handout
The Value of Public Libraries
http://stephenslighthouse.com/2010/04/06/the-value-of-
public-libraries/
The Value of School Libraries
http://stephenslighthouse.com/2010/04/06/the-value-of-
school-libraries/
The Value of Academic and College Libraries
http://stephenslighthouse.com/2010/04/07/value-of-
academic-and-college-libraries/
The Value of Special Libraries
http://stephenslighthouse.com/2010/04/07/value-of-special-
libraries/
Library Advocacy: Save the Library Campaigns
http://stephenslighthouse.com/2010/04/01/save-the-library-
campaigns/
93.
94.
95.
96.
97.
98. Stephen Abram, MLS, FSLA
VP strategic partnerships and markets
Cengage Learning (Gale)
Cel: 416-669-4855
stephen.abram@cengage.com
Stephen’s Lighthouse Blog
http://stephenslighthouse.com
Facebook or Google+: Stephen Abram
LinkedIn / Plaxo: Stephen Abram
Twitter: sabram
SlideShare: StephenAbram1