Taiga and Darien: Relevance for reference and instructional services for libraries in the digital age

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the Taiga Provocative Statements and Darien Statements on the Library and Librarians documents.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper provides an outline of the two documents and discusses their relevance to libraries and librarians.

Findings

Whether the outcome is the provocative and challenging Taiga outlook or the “glass half full” presented by the Darien exercise, there is value in the process of bringing together groups of people in the library profession to reflect on the present and consider the future. Through Taiga, academic library administrators express what may be seen as a cautionary vision for the profession in which forces beyond their control will define the future. In Darien, front line librarians and other from public, college, university, and research libraries, seem to take a more positive and pragmatic view of how librarians today can impact the future role of their institutions.

Originality/value

The paper offers insights into the two provocative documents which will stimulate conversation and also action among public service librarians and staff.

Citation

Mitchell, E. and Barbara Watstein, S. (2009), "Taiga and Darien: Relevance for reference and instructional services for libraries in the digital age", Reference Services Review, Vol. 37 No. 3, pp. 253-259. https://doi.org/10.1108/00907320910982749