Special Libraries 2006

Change and Challenges in the Digital Environment

Bruce Rosenstein/USA TODAYMay 15, 2006

New Models For Special Libraries

• Virtual Libraries

• Embedded Librarians

• Distributed access of databases

• Ask a librarian/virtual reference

• Organizers of competitive intelligence

Why Are Special Libraries Being Closed?

• Failure at the basics of the profession

• Lack of trust on the part of patrons and funders

• Tunnel vision/closed thinking (theirs and ours)

• Institutions can close or drastically change their libraries at a moment's notice

What Can You Do Better Than Your Patrons?

• The users of special libraries often like doing their own research….

• But can they do it better than librarians?

• Should they be doing their own research?

• Earn your respect: don’t worry about the “image of the profession”

• Ask yourself: Why am I on the payroll?

Going Beyond Google

• Where do books fit into our research in the Google age?

• Must have command of a variety of online and printed resources

• Be creative in finding information

• Need for targeted research

• Become a catalyst for new knowledge

Marketing is a Must

• All libraries and librarians must market their services

• Think of creative, tasteful marketing opportunities

• Explore partnerships with other organizations

• Make sure patrons are aware that you can make their work easier and more effective

The Curious Incident of the One Person Library…

• Special libraries are one of the few institutions with a tradition of the lone professional expected to do everything

• How can this be accomplished without being consumed by “busy work”?

Outsourcing: Friend or Foe?

• Special libraries have been outsourcing – and being outsourced -- long before most people knew what it was

• Especially the case in government libraries

What Makes a Special Library Great?

• Wide representation of online resources• The best print resources (under the

circumstances)…print is not a growth area• Librarians who are knowledgeable,

creative, committed to continuous learning• Librarians who display emotional

intelligence• Librarians who thrive in an information-

rich, time-poor environment

Final thoughts…

• Everyone, and every institution, is threatened these days. Libraries and librarians are no different

• Learn more about special libraries at www.sla.org

• Attend the SLA annual conference in Baltimore next month