Critical Review: Tomorrow’s library: discussion paper, March 2012 by the Ministerial Advisory Council on Public Libraries.

This review will look at the discussion paper Tomorrow’s library (2012) which was written by the

Ministerial Advisory Council on Public Libraries. It provides an overview of information in regards to library services, building, technology and collections and resource development. It provides points for library professionals to discuss in relation to the libraries they are associated with. This discussion paper is to be used to provide a scope and plan on how libraries need to work to maintain a strong community position and, as Prentice (2010) states connect the public with the information they need and wish to access.

Technology has a whole section to itself in this paper but when reading through there is a strong thread following through the whole paper. This paper provides the point that as well as the more obvious points of technological impact such as EBooks and readers, computer and internet access, there are implications down to the way that buildings are redesigned and built (Prentice, 2010). An area for internet access and computer is a now a common element in the library, the discussion paper states that 78.6% of the libraries within the Victorian public library network provide computer and internet access with almost half of these libraries having a separate area just for computer and internet access (Ministerial Advisory Council of Public Libraries, 2012). There are also libraries looking to provide more integrated wireless options in regards to internet and patrons being more reliant on tablets and smartphones (Ministerial Advisory Council of Public, Libraries, 2012). Technology is even starting to play a part in the collection development area with RFID systems allowing easier loans and collection maintenance (Burke, 2009). The paper (2012) also provides information on the consortium LibraryLink/SWIFT where libraries share a database of resources and allow borrowing between branches, and so provide a larger collection of resources to their patrons.

 While this paper provides an overview into different areas affecting libraries in the public library system of Victoria, it only provides very basic information. Libraries are becoming more of a community place with multiple purposes (Prentice, 2010) but there are not real details on how libraries are changing towards this purpose. The paper (Ministerial Advisory Council of Public Libraries, 2012) provides statistical information how many libraries provide computer and internet access but no real information on how this information actually relates to patrons. It has been mentioned that tablets and smartphones are becoming more of common usage theme and patrons wish to have wireless access to internet facilities (McClure & Jaeger, 2008) but there is no information on how common this is within the public library service of Victoria. There is also the basic information on LibraryLink/SWIFT library consortium, but no further information beyond that it uses a shared database facility that allows patrons access between linked libraries. Does this include electronic media databases such as EBook borrowing facilities run at different libraries? Consortium are created to allow for resources sharing and to allow the libraries to save money by sharing costs (Burke, 2009). Besides the discussion paper stating (Ministerial Advisory Council of Public Libraries, 2012) that some libraries are starting to implement RFID and how this can improve patron usage and collection maintenance, there are no further details on how many libraries are working to implement this technology.

How RFID works in a library

There is the assumption that whoever is reading this paper is a professional working in the library. There are no explanations of what RFID is or what risks there are in regards to security and how it actually functions (Burke, 2009).

This paper is a good starting point for information on what is happening the public library system of Victoria. But it is an overview and if the reader wishes further information they will have to seek further information. The statistics provided in regards to service usage, facilities for computers and internet (Ministerial Advisory Council of Public Libraries, 2012) provide an interesting picture about how much the library service is actually being used. But there needs to be more details to provide a better platform for information professionals to discuss points made within the paper. These details are needed to plan strategies to implement to keep the library current and maintain a strong position as a community hub (Prentice, 2010) as well as provide information services.

References

Burke, J. J. (2009). Neal-Schuman library technology companion: a basic guide for library staff. New York: Neal-Schuman Publishers.

McClure, C. R. & Jaeger, P. T. (2008). Public libraries and internet services roles: measuring and maximizing internet services. Retrieved from EBook Library.

Ministerial Advisory Council for Public Libraries. (2012). Tomorrow’s library: a discussion paper, March 2012. State Government of Victoria. Available from: http://www.plvn.net.au/sites/default/files/TLTD002_Tomorrow%27s%20Library%20Discussion%20Paper%20final%20web.pdf

Prentice, A. (2010). Public libraries in the 21^st century. Retrieved from EBook Library. 

Image References

JESIC Technology Inc. (2008). iLib RFID library management system. In JESIC Technology Ltd. RFID Solution provider. Available from: http://www.jesic-tech.com/RFID_iLib.html
Ministerial Advisory Council of Public Libraries. (2012). Cover of Tomorrow's library discussion paper. In Yarra Plenty Regional Library. Available from :http://yprl.vic.gov.au/about/whats-new/library-news/tomorrow-s-library