Public Library Management New Trends P. Jayarajan

1. . Public Library Management New Trends P. Jayarajan

2. What is happening to public libraries? • Public libraries in many countries are going through a major transformation, • to keep pace with the changing economic, social, and technological aspects of the society. • more as a strategy to survive! • Libraries are demonstrating that they can provide a useful service to almost every segment of the population. • Libraries have been stretching the traditional definition of “library” successfully.

3. The transformation process This process is known by different names: • Reinventing • Revamping • Re-engineering • Modernisation ………. Change, Big change!

4. Post-transformation Range of new services on offer : • providing space, materials, technology for collaborative learning and creating: eg access to 3D printers, laser cutters, milling machines, audio and video editing facility, etc: known by different names “makerspace”,“makerlab” etc • Exclusive area for teenagers with lounges, restaurants, studios, game rooms, digital labs, software and equipments to record music and create comic books. • Community collaboration space • Lending out “musical instruments” to “plot of land!” • Offer of space for meetings, classes, night-time parties, even for weddings and as location for photo and video shooting.

5. Post-transformation Range of new services on offer: Basic IT training programmes, including, internet access use Skype use social networks Jobs-related services help to find job vacancies training on resume writing help in applying for jobs training on interview process Help to book online tickets for travel concerts, movies and other activities

6. Post-transformation Helping children • to play educational games • to do homework and creative projects Helping to buy goods online Specially designed IT training for the aged …… taxpayers like these changes!

7. Public library transformation Some stories

8. Public libraries in US • The Boston Public Library (1848), the oldest public urban library in the US, has transformed itself into a bustling community centre. • A new section called “Teen Central” has become a favourite place for teenagers. It includes lounges, restaurants, game rooms, digital labs, plus software and equipment to record music and create comic books. • The library’s new lobby has an open lounge area featuring new books, casual seating, and retail space, which could sell anything under the sky!

9. Public libraries in US • The new Madison Central Library offers a variety of innovative ways to connect people: • Media Lab: a state-of-the-art digital facility where citizens can learn to edit videos, design video games. • The Bubbler: the library’s “makerspace” provides space, materials and instruction on all kinds of topics. • Artist-in-residence who works on projects and take classes. • Space for night-time parties, meetings, classes, even weddings • location for video photo location

10. Public libraries in US • The “Library Farm” an organic community garden on one and half acre of land is owned by the Public Library in Cicero, New York. • Anyone can ‘borrow’ a plot! • Members can learn organic farming practices in the “borrowed” plot . • The purpose of the Library Farm is to provide a place for the community to grow, share and learn about food literacy, and organic, sustainable gardening

11. Public libraries in US • San Francisco Public Library’s outreach program to homeless users, is staffed by a full-time psychiatric social worker and includes the services of five peer counselors, all of whom were once homeless themselves. • Since its launch four years ago, it has become a model for other public libraries across the country.

12. Public libraries in US • the worst is over! • no more threats of closures and budget cuts!! ………. and no major complaints about the new changes!!!

13. Public libraries in UK • Since 2000, new state-of-the-art library buildings have opened in many cities • While cuts and closures are affecting library services, the past decade has seen a transformation of public libraries • All libraries are reporting record numbers of users.

14. Public libraries in UK • In 2011, it was revealed that more than 400 libraries were under threat of closure due to budget cuts • This forced citizens to form the “Save Our Libraries Campaign”.

15. Public libraries in UK • Many major writers reacted strongly against the planned closure of 11 branches out of a total of 18 in Liverpool: they called it “a massacre”. • The authorities responded by saying “no library in Liverpool will be closed”.

16. A new public library in Birmingham • A new public library was opened recently in Birmingham • £186m was spent • Probably will be the largest public library in Europe • The library expects to attract 10,000 visitors a day.

17. Another landmark library Finland’s new Central Public Library in Helsinki • To be opened in 2018 • Coinciding with the100 years of Finland’s independence • State of the art library • 18,000 sq metres • 10,000 visitors daily

18. Central public library, Helsinki

19. First floor: multipurpose hall

20. Middle floor: Studios

21. Top floor: Childrens’ area , Citizens’ balcony and…

22. Top floor: …. and Books

23. Innovation: Story from Singapore Public-Private-People Partnership model public library • Building constructed by a leading construction company • IT systems and other infrastructure provided by an IT company • Library managed by trained volunteers • NLB only overseas the functioning and controls quality

24. Innovation: Story from Singapore

25. Innovation: Singapore Memory Project Launched in 2011, this project aims to collect 5 million personal memories as well as a substantial number of published materials on Singapore by 2015. Members of the public are invited to submit their memories, egfamily photos

26. Public libraries in Singapore

27. Public libraries in Singapore

28. Revamping: Story from Ukraine • Public libraries in Ukraine went for a massive revamping with support from various agencies: • the International Research and Exchanges Board (IREX), • the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), • the Ministry of Culture of Ukraine • the Ukrainian Library Association • Supported by a $25 million grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. • In addition, Microsoft donated an estimated $9 million in software • The programme was called Bibliomist

29. Story from Ukraine • Under the Bibliomist project, about 2,000 public libraries were modernised • Two major components of the modernisationprogramme were: • Introduction of computers and internet access • Library innovation trainings for librarians ………. now offers a variety of services for the community, most IT based

30. Story from Ukraine : New services The quantitative analysis of the data collected from the new libraries demonstrated that Public libraries not only provide information services but also positively influence the economic needs of users, communities and even the whole country SMART INVESTMENTS Social & Economic Value of Libraries Ukrainian public libraries from 2010 to 2013

31. The story so far Similar stories coming from many more countries, eg Greece, Jamaica, Netherlands, Denmark, Haiti, Uganda, Turkey etc etc ……… do we have a story??

32. The story so far: The new trends? • Community engagement • Partnership and collaboration • Innovation • Change ……… books get a seat!

33. The story so far: Impact of the new changes • improved perceptions of libraries • Significant increase in library usage • more visits to libraries • improved confidence in the libraries • “feeling good” about the library ….. effective support from public

34. The Critics! • Why should libraries undertake such non-library functions? • Once a sanctuary of silence, modern library has become noisy • Librarians accused of encouraging activities in bid to entice more visitors • this is not librarianship! ……….. campaign has been launched to get UK's libraries back to what they were!!

35. Public libraries in India Do we have story ?

36. Public libraries in India • Continue to be a neglected lot • Indifferent stakeholders • Low priority for government(s) • Silent citizens • Library profession not doing enough ……..no major change

37. NML:a missed opportunity? • In 2012 The National Mission on Libraries was constituted, with a High Level Committee. • NML has been discussing various projects and programmesegNational Virtual Library, Capacity building, Model public libraries, Public library survey etc. • Nothing visible has happened so far. • The current term of NML expires soon, hope the term will be extended.

38. New opportunities • Vanche Bharat • “100 Smart cities” project • “Model village” project • Public Libraries in CSR subject list • NML 2.0

39. The wish-list • A few state-of-the-art model public libraries in every State • Government(s) making determined and conscious decision to invest in public libraries • High profile public library campaign • Flow of CSR funds to public library development • Creation of a Public Library Development Fund • Library profession taking a proactive role.

40. . Thank you

41. . jayarajan45@gmail.com 91 9605183684, 91 9495694654