The One True Reason Libraries are Still Relevant in the 21st Century

 I’ve been thinking lately about the role of librarians in the 21^st century—a natural byproduct of attending the Texas Library Association’s annual conference. There’s a lot of talk these days about our field in terms of digital learning, implementing e-resources to supplement our print collection, promoting a print collection in the face of a growing demand for e-resources, utilizing social media, there’s an app for that but I have no idea which one to use, etc. It seems that librarianship these days automatically equals technology expert with a secret book knowledge superpower we call on only when the unsuspecting patron happens to mention something about hating reading or how he/she can never find a good book or how they’ve read all the good books...within earshot of the "tech expert."

One session I (somewhat selfishly) attended was put on by Phil Klein (@philklein) and Chrystie Hill (@itgirl) regarding TED Talks in libraries. I’m a fan of TED Talks personally because I have yet to hear one that doesn’t inspire me. Regardless the specified topic, I typically am left feeling somehow connected…like my experiences are shared experiences…like my story isn’t so different from those told on the TED stage and perhaps…maybe…just as beautiful.

So this idea of story has stuck with me….

……and after some weeks of contemplation (years really, but who’s counting?)….

I’ve decided that the role of librarians in the 21^st century…the weighty role…the role that *really* matters…hasn’t changed all that much from the role of librarians in the 20^th century, the 19^th century, the 18^th…you get the picture. Simply, we share patrons’ stories. Through book selection, frequency of visitations, number of lost items, conversations extended during the circulation process—we share both welcomed and unwelcomed details of our patrons’ lives, and in sharing in what matters to them, we hold a place for them to feel they matter…a place of connection…a place for their beauty.

The last line of my notes from my somewhat selfish attendance at the TED Talks session is a quote from Phil Klein. “People don’t acknowledge how awesome they are.” What better service can we afford our patrons than acknowledging their awesomeness…extending a place to matter…to feel seen…to be connected?

I’m jumping out on a limb here and announcing a small series of upcoming posts regarding how this concept of story sharing has made me a better librarian…a better person, really. I would do it here, but it would be long, and you would quit reading. (SHOCK*GASP*FAINT). In the meantime, please consider sharing how you help others acknowledge their awesomeness. Respond in the comments below or connect @dailyslibrary. You never know who you might inspire…   

Pictures from:

RYAN MCGUIRE AND FREE OF COPYRIGHT RESTRICTIONS.

Viktor Hanacek on picjumbo.com: totally free photos for your commercial and personal works