The Transformed Library: E-Books, Expertise, and Evolution

Abstract

Jeannette Woodward has written a thought-provoking book about the changes facing libraries and library staff in the current economic recession. She addresses the following issues in the first six chapters: e-books and their dramatic increase in popularity with the reading public the conflict between e-book publishers and libraries outsourcing of library functions to create staff-less libraries libraries' presence on and participation in social networking sites the library building and physical space as a destination and experience the current and future job market for library information professionals The message throughout the book is that libraries need to understand their customers and provide the services and collections that the customer wants to use. E-books, digital media, websites, Facebook, and Twitter are part of the library's current digital environment and are no longer new. Staff needs to monitor trends to see what technologies will be replacing these products and adapt their services accordingly. The book discusses disturbing trends, such as outsourcing library functions and staff-less libraries, that are often a result of tight budgets. Woodward points out that many library administrators and decision makers do not actually use its services. Many believe that digital libraries do not require staff to help customers find information. Space is expensive, so libraries are downsized because collections are digital. Amidst these gloomy predictions, however, the chapter on adapting the library's physical space for people, not collections, provides practical ideas that can counteract downsizing and outsourcing. Likewise, Woodward presents ideas on how the profession can adapt to the digital world by looking for positions outside of the traditional library environment and updating technology skills. The book's final three chapters discuss survival strategies for public, academic, and school libraries. Health sciences librarians will find themselves nodding in agreement with many of the ideas that Woodward discusses. There is much truth to the serious issues facing academic libraries and the profession. This book helps examine these issues and, hopefully, respond proactively.