Yarra Plenty Regional Library - Assignment Example

Yarra Plenty Regional Library Executive summary Libraries have been the source for knowledge over the years. People have been visiting libraries in order to expand their knowledge in this fast expanding information society. In the libraries, one can access the internet, read varieties of literature, watch TV and listen to radio, hold conferences among other things. Due to rapid changes in the dynamic world, libraries are continuously faced with new challenges. Some of these challenges are the digital technologies and the global economic crisis. Libraries have in the past realised many achievements which cannot be underscored when combating the global challenges. Libraries have been in the forefront in embracing the technological changes in the information society. Libraries have been the driving force in research in various fields of study. Therefore, libraries have been the biggest player on matters of education. With the recent challenges of global financial crisis, libraries are facing the challenges financial undercutting. Considering the stakes at hand, there is a strong feeling that this may have a negative impact on the economy and the community since libraries will not be in a position to fulfill their mandate. One of the strengths of libraries is that there is increased demand for knowledge than ever before and libraries are in a position to handle information both analogue and digital. There is a continuous growth in world population, which is an opportunity for libraries coupled with the fact that there is more demand for information. The biggest threat to libraries is the advancement in technology. Availability of e-books in the internet has reduced library visits since most books can now be accessed through the websites. To solve this problem of budget cuts, the public and the government must be made to understand the importance of libraries in today’s world and the steps libraries are taking to remain relevant in this dynamic world. Introduction When you compare the libraries today and the libraries in the past half a decade, you will not fail to notice a number of new developments. These developments cut across technological changes and cultural changes. Since libraries are used by the public, adequate financing of the libraries is seen as a good move by the public. Adapting to new technological changes calls for financial sacrifices, which must be undertaken by the library management. They need to hire competent personnel to help adapt to the changes in technological world. There is need for procurement of new machines and new books and house them in a state of art building. The question remains to be; is the budget cut justified? A particular interest in the report is Yarra Plenty Regional library (YPRL) whose council budget has been cut due to current global financial crisis. With the challenges of the dynamic world, more financing is necessary for libraries to remain relevant in this dynamic world. In the report is a strong demonstration of the reasons why the budget cut is not justified on whatever grounds. The values of information agencies such as library The libraries as information agencies are of great value to the society. Apart from dealing with functional illiteracy in Australia, libraries are of value to the society because of the following: They act as sources of employment Libraries in Australia have helped its government to reduce the unemployment rate among its citizens. Most of the libraries spending are geared towards employee salaries and this help contribute to the society welfare. For example, 57% of the Yarra plenty regional library’s total expenditure is geared on employee costs (YPRL, 2012). Library is among those sectors employing a considerable number of the population both formally and informally (Kavner, 2011). There are librarians, drivers, cleaners, security among others who are directly employed by the library management and they get their monthly salaries and wages (Kavner, 2011). According to statistics (New South Wales government site, 2013) there is an increasing number of internet usage in libraries. This is because libraries have installed a fast and reliable internet site. The report shows the public are using library more than ever. This is illustrated by: Almost 36million visits (24% increase from the past 10 years) Almost 49million loans (12% over the past 10 years) More than 48,000 public programs and events Over 2.7 million internet hours used by public 3.3 million Library members (46% of the NSW population) This is also supported by internet access survey in public libraries report in 2011 by the Australian government with also proved that the there is an increase in library usage. Due to increases library usage, it implies that the workforce in the library should also be increased. Libraries should get adequate funding to continue hiring competent staff that will provide quality services (Victoria, 2011). This is because less and incompetent staff will translate to poor quality services at the library, hence the fall in information and knowledge sector. Japanese ethnologist Tadao Umesao also agreed with Bells idea when he asserted that international post industrial social order placed information in the central stage thus posing a shift in national productivity, economy and political happenings. Today it is clear that most industries are dependent on information industry (Sue et al., 2002). Currently, there are many students graduating in the fields of Information Technology and libraries are some of the areas they seek employment from. If they can not be employed in the libraries, then we are not appreciating the developments in the Information Technology. There should be adequate number of staff so that libraries should not reduce their opening hours, but increase them. Employment statistics show that there are many people employed by libraries (ABS 2004). It shows that 25,735 people are employed in libraries, 85% females and 15% males. According to the same report, 72,600 worked as volunteers. According to the report by the YPRL (2012), the library has over 300 volunteers who are engaged in various services and most are baby boomers who are retiring. Reducing funding will leave most of these retirees without a way of giving back to their community and also will make people lose employment. They are major Sources of information Libraries are the main sources of information in the society. The information collection is so wide that one may be spoilt of choices. A library contains documents, which were written very a long ago and the ones produced recently (Calhoum, 2006). As such libraries act as the bridge between pre information age and the information age (Mapping the UK library cuts, 2011). The role played by librarians is very critical to the development of the society. There is a lot of information, which needs to be gathered and arranged in a systematic manner so that they can be made available to the society (Feather, 2000). This implies that without libraries, information could have been scattered, and it could almost be impossible to access the information one needs in appropriate time (Akselbo et al., 2006). Libraries have over the years gathered most of the literary works and information, which have been used widely in different fields. The speed by which information is got is also critical. Libraries are now embracing the fastest speeds in information technology. In USA, there is an initiative to build an internet connectivity of up to 100GBps broadband (Waller, 2008). This is a proof that libraries are within the limits of technological changes. About 12% of children in Australia use public library computers (ABS 2004). Moreover, libraries have traditionally offered reference services to people and recently, they have extended this service to online reference services. This has enabled libraries cope with continued rise in expectations of people with regards to information. Since libraries have embraced technologies, many books have been digitalised and more are still digitalised. This, therefore, makes libraries to be a place where one is sure to get a literature in whatever form he or she may require (Bawden, 2006). Educational institutions require libraries to house materials used for reference and for research purposes. Without well equipped libraries, the quality of education could be greatly compromised (Callaghan, 2002). Furthermore, a lot of research works done by students are housed in most of the libraries. These researched works are known to be of great benefits to readers who put them into practice. Without libraries, some of the breakthroughs in research could not have been achieved (Feather, 2002). This is because researchers look for books and related articles to support their research works. With the recent developments and their challenges, libraries are expected to be of vital role in supporting research works to help combat the challenges met in the rapidly developing world (Abraham and Luther 2004). Given that there is a lot of information, which needs to be gathered and put together in a systematic way. Librarians are information professionals; this is because they are well conversant with the techniques of gathering information and making it available in a convenient way (Bawden, 2006). The challenge people often encounter is where to get the information they need, in what format and at what time. Libraries have proved to be the answer to these questions. Libraries are able to provide the network infrastructure, the tools and the skills required by the visitors. This is common in public libraries. Since not everyone in the society is able to adequately meet the technological changes, libraries remain the last hope for those marginalised from the information society (Waller, 2008). This is because they can get access to required technology like computers, they can have unlimited network access without being subjected to prohibitive costs and low speed internet connectivity. Those without ICT skills can easily ask for assistance from the library staff, they can also get coaching on how to get the information they require with a lot of ease (Bawden, 2006). Therefore, library continues to be the last hope for people who are in dire need of information and may be challenged in one way or the other. Yarra Library is strategically situated in accessible point by majority of the population hence getting information from them is easy. Since they are ideally situated in focal points, they become community hubs hence making it possible for people who wish to interact and share ideas with a lot of ease and collaborate with others. They act as protectors of intellectual property All information agencies, including libraries, create a public domain intellectual property is protected (Systems, 2012). This helps the authors of different works to enjoy the legitimacy and economic benefits for intellectual property for a period of time. This encourages creativity since individuals’ benefits from their protected works. Without libraries, several works could have been scattered that it could have been difficult to establish the true authors of a particular property (Biskup, 1982). The computer technology with the telecommunications technology has enabled authors to create digital libraries (Systems, 2012). Intellectual property works well if embodied in reasonable and accurate databases (Systems, 2012). Copyrighted works available in digital format is more reliable and libraries have been in the forefront in enabling this. Linkage between changing socio-economic patterns and the needs of user communities Globalisation and changing economic patterns In the era of globalisation, there are rapid changes of socio-economic patterns. These changes are forced by the dynamics of community needs. For example, young people are vulnerable to social and economic conditions, and thus require library services to help them better understand the dynamics of this world. It has been shown that (ABS 2004) 55% of children visit libraries outside school hours. This way, libraries offer children special programs which prepare them for kindergarten (Waller, 2008). According to the YPRL (2012), over 50,000 children benefited from the library programs between 2010 and 2011. The services offer a chance to the young generation to foster pre literacy and literacy skills with core programs designed to cater for current ICT trends to train future generation for changing societal needs. This way, Yarra library act as a link between socio-economic patterns and future community needs. Given that children cannot afford every book and new technology they need, they rely heavily on libraries to help them get knowledge that enables them to be relevant to the current socio-economic needs (Waller, 2008). They also use library facilities during school holidays to help them consume their time positively. The needs of vulnerable minorities in the society Gender inequities, with regard to technology, have also been a major concern today. The vulnerable groups, especially women, will be disappointed if libraries withdraw their services. This is because libraries are the places where both men and women can access information (Feather 2000). One of the core values of Yarra library is to ensure information access for all by offering support and educational services to disadvantaged community members (YPRL, 2012). Moreover, the existence of libraries has greatly enhanced the freedom of expression. This is because authors can now air their views in writing and readers can share the ideas created by authors. These services will be lacking to the community if libraries are under funded. Intellectual property rights protection The existence of libraries has proved to be of positive impact to the economy. Writers of various literatures can now have their materials bought by libraries and get an income from them. The government also raises taxes in the process of buying and selling of various literatures through taxation (Luther, 2004). There are a number of people who are not in a position to buy some books because of their high prices. The very existence of libraries is their last option since they register and borrow books from the libraries. They then use the books they have borrowed to gain knowledge, which they use in their daily undertakings and hence impact the economy positively (Victoria, 2011). If libraries were not available and accessible, the current economic situation would not allow community members access information and knowledge. Economic recovery Moreover, given that most of the economic activities have shifted to online space, the economic bases on agriculture, manufacturing, and industries have changed. The advanced economies now move to economies based on knowledge, information and communication. Therefore, libraries are the only paths to economic recovery and developments. Well funded and utilised libraries are, therefore, most likely to revamp the economic structures in a positive manner than any other public institution (World Development Report, 2003). Libraries have also been proven to increase creativity. When libraries embrace the use of technology, they challenge the technology users to be more creative and swift (Waller, 2008). When people read various literatures available at libraries, they are challenged with new ways of approaching various socio-economic problems which in turn increases their productivity (Victoria, 2011). When libraries adapt to changes in technologies, they procure new equipment and software from the various service providers, which in turn boost sales and aids in tax collection for the national governments (Callagan, 2002). Therefore, libraries have helped in expanding the democratic space since people can read widely and come up with opinions on governance. Libraries are also known to house records of government history, the constitutions and their amendments, daily newspapers among others. Citizens are, therefore, able to read widely on matters of governance and engage their elected leaders with new opinions and challenges for the improvement (Waller, 2008) The use of ICT, which is now available in libraries, has been proven to have expanded the democratic space because people can now share ideas from everywhere, every time. Social and economic changes have taken place as a result of effective information and communication provided by public libraries (Alstad & Curry, 2003). Therefore, an effective information and communication infrastructure is required to further these gains (Belfiore, 2004). Information and knowledge have always been linked to development of societies and civilisations. Since there is a continuous link between knowledge and civilisation, libraries should be trusted with the future of civilisation because they are the custodians of information and knowledge. It is, therefore, apparent that provide Yarra library continue offering unfettered information access, it will continue playing a major role in Australia’s future civilisation. A society that wants to have a positive impact on its civilisation should invest in their libraries. Conclusion Information agencies offer various services to the community and as time goes, there are many roles being established and mandated to information agencies. For example in Yarra library, they have expanded and digitised their catalogue. It can now show clients available titles, enable them to place hold and renew their borrowing services. They have made these services online so that clients can access these services at their convenience at homes and through mobile phones. Globalisation and adoption of new technologies by the library has enabled it offer various services and have a wide coverage of clients than before. This has enabled the library to play a very critical role in information technology service provision and better lives of society members. Moreover, the information got from various literature in libraries have been used in business, agriculture, technology and several fields hence bringing about improvement in the economic activities of the society. New inventions have been made courtesy of library research. Authors of various literatures have had their work paid off courtesy of libraries. The social changes in society have greatly improved due to information availed in libraries. Improvement in library services will lead to an improvement at social scene. The intellectual property rights will only remain relevant as long as libraries exist. The fall of libraries will scuttle the efforts of authors since the property rights will not b easily determined. With the above gains, a cut in library funding will mean a cut in societal development. Therefore library funding is not justified in any sense. Instead, libraries should get increased funding to help realise their goals and to remain relevant in the dynamic world. Recommendations 1. Civilisation has reached this far courtesy of libraries. Therefore, the Yarra library should be enabled through funding so as to help the Australian people to embrace current social and economic trends. This is because without finding, public libraries, like Yarra can not employ the latest technology to meet the essential relevance of purpose in a modern society. 2. Yarra library is an employer to many people in Australia. The government should do needs analysis to see how many people will lose jobs when the library is under funded. 3. The government must also consider the societal impact that the libraries have and do the opportunity cost to ensure it does not disadvantage a wider society by under funding libraries 4. The government should also consider assessing the impact of an informed society in the age of globalisation. In this case, it should analyse the cost of illiteracy versus the benefits of an informed and literate society before considering any under funding plan for libraries. 5. Given all these services and roles that libraries play to the society, the Yarra library needs to be protected from budget cuts. The government and stakeholders must find a way of ensuring sustainable library services to the community because they are pillars on which the future society and economies are anchored. 6. The government should consult with Yarra library board to be informed of the way cost analysis can be done and look for long term solutions to financial crisis other than cutting the libraries fund. 7. For future safety of Yarra libraries and other information agencies in Australia, the government should collaborate with private institutions and sector to craft sustainable service provisions which are proof to short term economic crisis. References Abram, S. & Luther, J. (2004). Born with the chip. Library Journal. 5(1). Retrieved 18th May 18, 2013 from  www.libraryjournal.com/article/CA411572. ABS (2004). Public Libraries in Australia, 2003-04. Canberra: Australian Bureau of Statistics. Akselbo, J. et al. (2006). The Hybrid Library: From the Users’ Perspective. Copenhagen: DEFF. Alstad, C. & Curry, A. (2003). Public space, public discourse, and public libraries. Libres, 13(1). Retrieved 18th May 18, 2013 from  http://libres.curtin.edu.au/libres13n1/pub_space.htm Bawden, D. (2006). Digital libraries: to meet or manage user expectations ASLIB Proceedings. New Information Perspectives, 58 (4), 346-54. Belfiore, E. (2004). Auditing culture: the subsidised cultural sector in the new public management. International Journal of Cultural Policy, 10 (2), 183-202. Biskup, P. (1982). Libraries in Australia (3rd ed.). London: Clive Bingley. Borgman, C.L. (1996). Social aspects of digital libraries. paper presented at UCLA-NSF Workshop on Social Aspects of Digital Libraries, UCLA. Calhoun, K. (2006). The Changing Nature of the Catalog and its Integration with Other Discovery Tools. Washington, DC: Library of Congress. Callaghan, M. (2002). The impact of ICT on society. Retrieved 18th May 18, 2013 from  http://www.rdn.ac.uk/casestudies/eevl/ict/case3.html Council on Library and Information Resources (2003). Emerging Visions for Access in the Twenty-first Century Library. Washington, DC: Council on Library and Information Resources Feather, J. (2000). The information Society: a study of continuity and change. London: Library Association Publishing. Kavner, L. (2011). 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Sustainable development in dynamic world: transforming institutions, growth and quality of life. Washington: The World Bank. Yarra Plenty Regional Library (2012).Tomorrow’s Library. Briefing paper prepared for The Ministerial Advisory Committee on Public Libraries 12 April 2012. retrieved May 28, 2013 from http://www.dpcd.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0003/109047/Yarra-Plenty-Regional-Library-Submission.pdf Read More