The idea of a non-traditional role for a librarian might
have previously been considered outreach work.
An outreach librarian physically leaves the building to perform
community based services, such as working with kids in reading, or helping
senior citizens complete necessary paperwork. Many libraries have expanded on
these basic community activities. According
to the New York Public Library website, they have an outreach program with five
city prisons where they provide books through their bookmobile program as well
as working with imprisoned parents to record favorite picture books, allowing
them the opportunity to read to their children.
During my research I have found that much of what might be considered non-traditional
today, is happening within the libraries themselves.
At Polytechnic University in Florida they do not have a
single book in their library, everything is digital. When students need reference material it is
purchased on demand by the library. The librarians are there to assist the students
with research and teach them how to use the digital content. (Stein, 2014). Another
emerging role for librarians’ in the 21st Century is a
bibliotherapist. The definition of bibliotherapy is “the prescribing of fiction
for life’s ailments” – (Berthoud, S & Elderkin, S., 2014). It is often a mixture of fiction and
non-fiction books that are “prescribed” to patrons. Librarians will often work with health and
psychology professionals in determining the course of literature to
prescribe(Weaver). In another non-traditional role, Portland, Oregon libraries
lend out tools or seeds to their patrons. Instead of the focus being on books, the
librarians teach classes and develop workshops that focus on building as well
as growing and sustainability (Weston, 2014). The competencies of a librarian are constantly
changing and growing according to what the community requires as a result of
these needs non-traditional roles emerge.
Works Cited
Berthoud, E & Elderkin, S (2013) The Novel Cure.
New York, New York: Penguin Books
Stein, L. (2014) Library Without Books Debuts at Florida’s
New College. Retrieved from http://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-florida-library-idUSKBN0GP0W620140825
Weaver, S. Non-Traditional Jobs for Special Librarians.
Retrieved from http://faculty.libsci.sc.edu/bob/class/clis724/SpecialLibrariesHandbook/non-traditional.htm
Weston, B. (2014). Non-Traditional Lending Libraries in
Oregon. OLA Quarterly, 19(2), 11-16, http://dx.doi.org/10.7710/1093-7374.1388
The idea of an all-electronic library is very interesting! I can see where using it remotely would be ideal and, I bet, very user-friendly. The non-traditional bibliotherapist is a fascinating idea. I've always believed in the power of books/reading to heal so I'm very much on board for this job title. What a cool thing, reading as part of healing. I also liked the idea of "checking out" tools and seeds. As part of psychology classes in undergrad I learned about how working with dirt releases natural brain chemicals that combat depression. As a library specialist I never thought I'd prescribe dirt but I'm happy to learn I could as an alternative librarian. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteThanks for taking the time to comment, Kellie! I think the key thing to remember about 21st Century Libraries is that while they may be less about "books" the are still very much about "access." When libraries go digital they are often met with criticism, from people who wonder what the library offers, if they offer the same digital access that one can get at home. Those critics don't take into account the 30% of Americans that don't have a Broadband internet connection at home. Similarly, an urban library user who is reliant on public transportation may want to grow a container, rooftop, or patio garden, and not have access to a garden store that is located in the suburbs or the country. Mail order seeds are often expensive. Hence, a seed library is providing access to its customers.
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