Hmmm… if libraries remove computers

Last week, two posts came over LISNews in close proximity. Both originated with librarians and address key questions about the future of libraries.If Libraries Remove Computers, Will Anyone Come? is a short piece by Wired Campus covering a lengthier post by Brian Mathews. Mathews asks “… if students don’t need our physical collections or computer labs, then what will bring them into the library? What advantage can we offer that is crucial to their intellectual and cultural development?” And playing devil’s advocate, Ryan Deschamps lists Ten Reasons Why ‘Professional Librarian’ is an Oxymoron. His first argument is that library work is largely un-specialized and can be done by anyone. This post may be too dyspeptic for some, though it has prompted spirited discussion among librarians that’s worth checking out.

Indirectly, these posts ask the right questions about public libraries and challenge them to articulate what they do better than any other organization. Following Brian Mathews’s lead, I’d suggest public libraries consciously answer this question:

How many users would we lose if we took away the computers and DVDs?

It’s a vital question for the reason Ryan Deschamps hinted at: there is value here, to be sure — but minimal unique value-add from libraries. These are generic services that could easily dry up or be displaced from libraries.

It’s time to move beyond campaigns that try to demonstrate value by citing increased visition due to the recession or DVD-driven circulation. It’s time for libraries to take a hard look at their statistics and focus on impact versus activity. What goes on at public libraries beyond computer use and DVD circulation? That’s where more of the enduring value lies and what needs to be promoted.