Comparative review

Citation

O'Connor, S. (2013), "Comparative review", Library Management, Vol. 34 No. 8/9. https://doi.org/10.1108/LM-08-2013-0081

Comparative review

Article Type: Comparative review From: Library Management, Volume 34, Issue 8/9

Reflecting on the Future of Academic and Public Libraries

Edited by Peter Hernon and Joseph R. Matthews, Facet Publishing, 2013

This is a thoughtful book allowing every reader to adopt a new stance in their own library. It is not only for managers and leaders but for all persons who are concerned not to replicate the present but to consider the future. It is interesting that we are finally having a raft of books and writing about the future as if it is something only recently discovered. It is a welcome development however in that it is an acknowledgement that we are finally recognizing that the present is inadequate to the survival of the library systems and of the library profession, unless we act. If we do not shape our own future, it will be shaped for us.

This book is usefully divided into sections about change about the literature and writing on change and scenario planning and then about future views and perspectives on academic libraries and public libraries. Aspects of these sections are written by other specialist authors with pertinent examples and case studies. These papers add a real touch of realism and relevance for the reader. Many of these specialist articles drew their inspiration and purpose from the six scenarios given for academic libraries as well as the four scenarios given for public libraries. Indeed scenario planning, as a tool, is given good prominence as a means by which library colleagues can re-position their own thinking and that of their communities. Without tools of imagination such as this, it is often very difficult to break the mental ruts which tie us collectively to the present. They allow us to explore the uncertainty of the future while not committing to science fiction outcomes. “What if” we did this, “what if” we did that …“What if” our users behaved in this way or that as they gathered information. These question statements allow us all to engage in things we do not allow ourselves to think about. Something good may come out of these possible developments.

I like the concluding thoughts to this book. They acknowledge that with bold and progressive leadership some readers will, in fact, find some of the scenarios too conservative. If they do, then this is a good thing because our library colleagues are beginning to realise what they can do, what they can become and how they can serve their users much more effectively.

The book is strongly US-centric with references to some other examples and writings. Despite this, it is an excellent volume which is easy to follow and stimulating to read. I recommend it to those who are seeking a better way.

University Libraries and Space in the Digital World

Edited by Graham Matthews and Graham Walton, Ashgate, 2013

This is a very timely book and is a very practical book in the debate about the future roles of academic libraries. The debate about the need for space in a world dominated by digital content has been a strong debate. I only know of one university library in my career experience which is currently down-sizing in space while the remainder are actually getting larger. So why?

This book gives a good overview of the historical and current practices in the UK and one last chapter on the future. The chapters reflect best practice for current practice in the UK. The range of areas includes technology, redeveloping space, sharing space, library staff, learning space, research space, evaluating space and green issues. The editors and authors are leaders in their areas and so the content is expert and extremely useful.

This is a very interesting book, which should have very wide appeal.

The Library Renovation, Maintenance and Construction Handbook

Donald A. Barclay and Eric D. Scott, Neal-Schuman Publishers, New York, NY, 2011

This the final book in this set and is the most practical of the three. It deals with the present. It deals with the very practical process through any librarian will go through in order to build a new library or have their building renovated/revitalised.

The handbook does set out to describe the whole process which is partly unnecessary. This is the case in describing, for instance, the plumbing, electrical, structural plans and other very technical aspects of the building process. Apart from this there is a very good description of everything which one may wish to know. There is also a very handy CD (for PC’s only) with pertinent tables diagrams and other materials.

Conclusion

In a real sense these three titles sit very comfortably together. The first book is about the future and is quite thought-provoking in this regard. It also produces a number of excellent scenarios of what could be.

The second is about the present best practice and the final title is the “how-to” title. The future book has a US emphasis on public and academic libraries while the second looks at UK academic libraries. The third originates in US building practice and thus talks about square footage rather than metres square. Oh well.

There is good cause here to mention a further title which is not being reviewed but sits very comfortably in this group. This is:

Information and Documentation – Qualitative Conditions and Basic Statistics for Library Buildings – Space, Function and Design

Geneva, Switzerland, International Standards Organisation, 2012

This is the “go-to” title when a librarian need to know how much space is required for a particular function, desk space, room purpose or shelving capacity. This is the most necessary title for the librarian getting library space into a new reality. To be published by the ISO, the title has to be agreed to by 75 per cent of the member Standard Organisations, which is proof of the international value.

Steve O’Connor
Director and Principal, Information Exponentials, Lismore, Australia