Some item relevant to the day's topic(s)

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a comment, if needed

Some item relevant to the day's topic(s)

  • author
  • source, dd MM YYYY

a comment, if needed

lifelong learning opportunities

  • Dr. Joanne Marshall will share some thoughts with us about how we might mix many of the ideas we have discovered with some of the new ways of preserving one of the classic pillars of the public library

Philosophy of Purpose of the American Public Library

  • Grant Lynch will lead us in thinking about where we are and where we want to go. To prepare yourselves for the session, read:
    1. The Public Library Renaissance - Berry
      • A great article to set the stage for evolving public library organizations.
    2. Constancy of Purpose, as Learned and Used in One Indiana Public Library - Hall
      • Combines Purpose with Mission --- Are they the same thing?
    3. Staying Public: The Real Crisis in Librarianship - Buschman
      • How has the American Public Library evolved over the past decade?
      • How does this change affect our mission?
    4. Libraries and the Decline of Public Purposes - Buschman
      • Discusses the "business model" of the American Public Library, and how this helps, hurts or simply interferes with Democratic fundamentals.
      • This one is the most academic of all of the articles, so feel free to skim this one.
    5. The Evolving Library - Farkas
      • The only "pragmatic" article in the group, Farkas discusses ways in which to incorporate change; in this case, technological advances.
    6. Save Profession - Crowley
      • Discusses how the American Public Library must return to its roots of education to avoid being swept away by other sources of information.
      • This is a fantastic article. If you only have time for one...
    7. Suicide Prevention: Safeguarding the Future of the Professional Librarian - Crowley
      • This article offers another look at the dwindling or eradication of public librarians.
      • Read only if you have time. Crowley can go on for a while.
  • Questions to think about:
    1. What is the purpose of the American Public Library?
      • Is there one that applies to all organizations?
      • Is there one for the overall system, branching out into many for the individual libraries?
    2. What is the difference between purpose and mission?
      • How do vision, goals, objectives and ideals play into the mix?
    3. Is the American Public Library in need of philosophical overhaul?
    4. Can you define "Public Library?"