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