Do libraries matter?

Abstract

Purpose

This editorial considers the question “do libraries matter?” from a variety of perspectives and angles.

Design/methodology/approach

Four recent documents are examined – Chad and Miller's, 2005 white paper, “Do libraries matter? The rise of Library 2.0.” from Talis; the Bibliographic Services Task Force (BSTF) final report (December 2005) from the University of California, Rethinking How We Provide Bibliographic Services for the University of California; OCLC's 2005, Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources; and the Horizon Report, 2006, a collaboration between The New Media Consortium and the EDUCAUSE Learning Initiative, an EDUCAUSE program.

Findings

Several themes surface again and again in the documents examined. These include: the increasing impact of emerging technologies on our users and on our libraries; changing attitudes toward technology and communication; and changing interests, behaviors, habits and expectations of our modern users. The article concludes that while libraries and information professionals are relevant in today's society, the challenge to remain as relevant as other information providers is indeed formidable, and remaining relevant demands change.

Practical implications

Informs and stimulates discussion about the information landscape and our place and position in it.

Originality/value

Reinforces the widely‐held belief that libraries matter, and that libraries, as well as information professionals remain relevant in today's world. Challenges the reader to think about significant issues and trends impacting libraries today.

Citation

Barbara Watstein, S. and Mitchell, E. (2006), "Do libraries matter?", Reference Services Review, Vol. 34 No. 2, pp. 181-184. https://doi.org/10.1108/00907320610669416