More than ever, young professionals are being hired as librarians. With the need for engaging activities and the rising popularity of electronic media, libraries have had to adapt to the changing times. I’ve worked as a page at my local library for almost four and a half years. With my duties as a page, I re-shelve materials that have been returned to the library, maintain a friendly atmosphere with patrons and assist anyone with questions that they may have. Throughout my time working there, I’ve had first-hand experience as to how technology has effected the role of the library in our community and the changing roles that librarians play.
People are still consumed with the excitement of holding a physical book in their hands, but e-books have also taken off. Librarians have had to familiarize themselves with the latest technology in order to accommodate to the patron’s needs. The library is still a place of knowledge and oftentimes people will come in to ask about their technology. Library systems also offers e-media through their online websites.
As far as librarians go, libraries are embracing diversity and hiring people from all walks of life. For instance, several librarians have come together to do calendars of their tattoo art to raise money for special causes. Most recently, the Rhode Island Library Association did a calendar of their tattooed librarians to raise money. Other librarians are embracing their love of sports, musicians, or games and creating displays in their library to offer their knowledge to others. Some select libraries throughout the world allow you to check out one of the librarians to listen to their stories and learn about a different lifestyle or culture.
Librarians also take part in writing their own stories. Many people who become librarians take the time to write their own unique tales. Since they are around literature and books for a majority of their day, they might see an opportunity to write something that their library had not previously offered. Librarians may also write articles for a blog or have their own online business. They can be extremely resourceful when it comes to online knowledge or book suggestion ideas. They are even starting Tumblr pages and using other forms of social media to engage with their patrons. Libraries are taking advantage of the popularity of Pokémon Go and creating events to bring people to the library. Libraries offer other social events such as adult coloring book nights, poetry readings, local author interviews, video game days, free movie viewings, college writing help, career guidance, genealogy assistance and so much more. It is all at your fingertips or right in your neighborhood.
Libraries are embracing mobile transportation, too. Some librarians will ride bikes around a park with a cart of books to encourage people to read in the park. Other libraries offer mobile book trucks that stop at popular destinations so that people don't have to drive to get to their library. In addition, these libraries might transport activities to children so that they can play games at a park or other social events.
Most of all, librarians want to help meet your needs. They will try their best to find something that you are looking for and they will offer resources that they think might be helpful. Their job title might be ‘librarian’, but they can also be a friend, a detective, a tech specialist, a parent, a sports enthusiast, a reader, a writer or any other combination. The world of libraries is changing and they are starting a trend for the future.
