RISING TO THE CHALLENGE. Re-Envisioning Public Libraries

Transcription

1 RISING TO THE CHALLENGE Re-Envisining Public Libraries

2 RISING TO THE CHALLENGE Re-Envisining Public Libraries A reprt f the Aspen Institute Dialgue n Public Libraries by Amy K. Garmer Directr Aspen Institute Dialgue n Public Libraries The Aspen Institute Cmmunicatins and Sciety Prgram Octber 2014

3 This reprt emanates frm the Aspen Institute Cmmunicatins and Sciety Prgram. Unless attributed t a particular persn, nne f the cmments r ideas cntained in this reprt shuld be taken as embdying the views r carrying the endrsement f any individual participant in the Dialgue n Public Libraries r its wrking grup r the Bill & Melinda Gates Fundatin. The Aspen Institute Dialgue n Public Libraries invites yu t view the digital versin f this reprt at Share yur visin fr the future f public libraries n Twitter with hashtag #libraryvisin. Cpyright 2014 by The Aspen Institute The Aspen Institute One Dupnt Circle, NW Suite 700 Washingtn, DC Published in the United States f America in 2014 by The Aspen Institute All rights reserved Printed in the United States f America ISBN: Pub#: 14/016 PHOTOGRAPHY Cver pht (middle): Mike Faber with Fisheye Phtgraphy, curtesy f Cedar Rapids Library Executive Summary, (middle pht): Wayne Jhnsn with Main Street Studis, curtesy f Cedar Rapids Library This wrk is licensed under the Creative Cmmns Attributin- Nncmmercial 3.0 United States License. T view a cpy f this license visit r send a letter t Creative Cmmns, 171 Secnd Street, Suite 300, San Francisc, 94104, USA. Individuals are encuraged t cite this reprt and its cntents. In ding s, please include the fllwing attributin: Aspen Institute Dialgue n Public Libraries, Rising t the Challenge: Re-Envisining Public Libraries, Washingtn, D.C.: The Aspen Institute, Octber Executive Summary, (bttm pht): curtesy f BibliTech A prject f the Aspen Institute Cmmunicatins and Sciety Prgram in partnership with the Bill & Melinda Gates Fundatin.

4 CONTENTS FOREWORD...iv ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS...vi EXECUTIVE SUMMARY... viii RISING TO THE CHALLENGE: RE-ENVISIONING PUBLIC LIBRARIES... 1 A NEW WORLD OF KNOWLEDGE... 2 A RENEWED VISION OF THE PUBLIC LIBRARY... 7 Peple, place and platfrm Scaling up: Envisining a natinal digital platfrm Creating gd cmmunity utcmes STRATEGIES FOR SUCCESS Aligning library services in supprt f cmmunity gals Prviding access t cntent in all frmats Ensuring lng-term sustainability fr public libraries Cultivating leadership CONCLUSION AND A CALL TO ACTION Getting Started: 15 Steps fr Library Leaders, Plicymakers and the Cmmunity NOTES AND REFERENCES APPENDIX The Dialgue n Public Libraries Wrking Grup Participants Frmal Advisrs t the Dialgue Infrmal Advisrs t the Dialgue Abut the Aspen Institute Dialgue n Public Libraries Abut the Aspen Institute Cmmunicatins and Sciety Prgram... 66

5 FOREWORD The time has cme fr a new visin f public libraries in the United States. Cmmunities need public libraries mre peple are visiting them and using their services, materials and prgrams than ever befre but cmmunities needs cntinue t change. While the public library was cnceived in an age f infrmatin scarcity, tday s netwrked wrld is ne f infrmatin abundance and mbility. The spread f pwerful digital infrmatin and cmmunicatin technlgies has tuched every aspect f daily life, creating new pprtunities. The Internet has becme the critical gateway fr accessing infrmatin, jb pprtunities, educatin, financial and gvernment services, healthcare resurces and civic participatin. Mrever, these technlgies present new pprtunities fr lcal and reginal entrepreneurs and cmmunities t cmpete, including at natinal and internatinal levels ecnmies f small thriving alngside ecnmies f scale. But this new wrld f infrmatin plenty creates new, essential skills, such as the ability t gain value frm infrmatin and prduce new knwledge. Access t digital netwrks and digital literacy skills are essential fr full participatin in mdern sciety. Ecnmic, educatinal, civic and scial pprtunities are tied t a whle new set f knwledge and skills that barely existed a generatin ag, and peple withut these skills r access t this infrmatin abundance are quickly left behind. Public libraries can be at the center f these changes: a trusted cmmunity resurce and an essential platfrm fr learning, creativity and innvatin in the cmmunity. Public libraries have the DNA needed t thrive in this new infrmatin-rich, knwledge-based sciety. Prviding access and cnnecting knwledge t the needs f individuals and the cmmunity have always been at the center f the missin and purpse f libraries. In fact, public libraries are already at the frefrnt f tackling scial inequalities by prviding access t nline infrmatin and supprting digital literacy. They prvide supprtive, creative learning spaces fr yung peple after schl. As a key strand in the scial safety net, public libraries prvide an imprtant lifeline t jbs, educatinal pprtunities, literacy, health resurces and gvernment and cmmunity services, especially fr immigrants and disadvantaged ppulatins. Public libraries are highly trusted institutins rted in the neighbrhds that they serve. Yet sme critics questin their cntinuing relevance in an age when infrmatin can flw via digital devices t virtually anyne, anywhere, at any time. Enabling all public libraries t fulfill their new rles will require cmmunity leaders, civic partners and librarians t share a new visin fr what libraries can be. T meet the needs f individuals, the cmmunity and the natin in the knwledge sciety, public libraries must be re-invented fr a netwrked wrld, in which the value f netwrks grws as mre cnnectins are made. Innvatins built n the ld distributed mdel f the lending library will nt suffice. What is needed is a new level f interdependence that cmmunities and libraries must embrace tgether. iv EXECUTIVE FOREWORDSUMMARY

6 ABOUT THIS REPORT The Aspen Institute Cmmunicatins and Sciety Prgram, in partnership with the Bill & Melinda Gates Fundatin, created the Aspen Institute Dialgue n Public Libraries t help advance the wrk that public libraries are ding t address cmmunity challenges and t supprt the transfrmatin f cmmunities and their public libraries in the digital age. The Dialgue n Public Libraries is a multistakehlder frum that brings tgether library prfessinals, plicymakers, technlgy experts, philanthrpists, educatrs and civic leaders t explre, develp and champin new ways f thinking abut public libraries. The Dialgue s wrk is infrmed by a select 35-member wrking grup that met twice in the prject s first year t examine the evlving scietal rle f the public library, and t shape and advance a perspective that re-envisins U.S. public libraries fr the future. The Wrking Grup s discussins and individual cntributins helped shape the perspective n public libraries in the digital age that is presented in this reprt. We are indebted t them fr sharing their visin, knwledge and experience with the Dialgue n Public Libraries. The Dialgue s visin is als infrmed by a series f engagements and fcus grups with leaders frm key public library assciatins, including the Public Library Assciatin, the Assciatin f Rural and Small Libraries, the Chief Officers f State Library Agencies and the American Library Assciatin. We acknwledge and thank these library leaders fr their insights and supprt f the Dialgue s wrk. We hpe that this reprt will supprt the impactful wrk that libraries d fr their cmmunities and prvide a resurce fr engaging gvernment leaders, trustees and cmmunity partners in dialgue t advance cncrete actins fr transfrming public libraries. The Dialgue and, ultimately, this reprt explre the essential rle f public libraries in a netwrked wrld and begin t re-envisin the 21st century library in a hyper-cnnected envirnment and dramatically changing wrld. The reprt is intended t raise the prfile f public libraries t the center f the knwledge sciety, highlight the pprtunities and pssibilities, increase supprt fr an expanded library rle in a netwrked wrld and spark a natinal cnversatin and actin t re-envisin the 21st century library as a center f learning, innvatin and creativity. While the reprt s fcus is n public libraries, we acknwledge the imprtance f schl and research libraries in the brader cnversatins arund the future f libraries and cmmunities. We hpe that readers will use this reprt as the basis fr explring hw a bld new visin fr public libraries, fully realized, can help t make cmmunities strnger, mre resilient and the kind f cmmunities where peple thrive. Debrah L. Jacbs, Directr Glbal Libraries Prgram Bill & Melinda Gates Fundatin Charles M. Firestne, Executive Directr Cmmunicatins and Sciety Prgram The Aspen Institute RISING TO THE CHALLENGE v

7 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The Aspen Institute Dialgue n Public Libraries wuld nt have been pssible withut the generus supprt and funding frm the Bill & Melinda Gates Fundatin and the fundatin s Glbal Libraries Prgram, led by Debrah Jacbs, directr, and Jessica Drr, deputy directr. These tw leaders, whse cmmitment t strengthening public libraries is recgnized in the United States and arund the wrld, prvided invaluable guidance and insight t the Dialgue thrughut its activities t date. This reprt is the first frm the Dialgue n Public Libraries. Members f the Dialgue s Wrking Grup met twice t examine the evlving rles f public libraries in the United States in light f significant technlgical, ecnmic and scial trends. The first meeting tk place at the Aspen Institute s Aspen Meadws cnference center in Aspen, Clrad, August 3 6, Salman Khan, Funder f Khan Academy, and Walter Isaacsn, President and CEO f the Aspen Institute, jined the wrking grup t discuss the public library rle in the new educatin ecsystem. The secnd gathering tk place at the Csms Club in Washingtn, D.C., Nvember 5 6, The engagement and cntributins f Wrking Grup participants have helped illuminate ways that cmmunities can leverage investments in libraries t build strnger civic eclgies and frge new partnerships fr achieving lcal and natinal gals. The Appendix t this reprt identifies all the Wrking Grup members wh shared their valuable insights. We thank them all fr their cntributins. Thrughut the past year, the Dialgue n Public Libraries als cnvened rundtable fcus grup and preview sessins with bard members and ther thught leaders frm the Public Library Assciatin (PLA), Assciatin fr Rural and Small Libraries (ARSL), the Chief Officers f State Library Agencies (COSLA), the American Library Assciatin (ALA) and the Internatinal City/ Cunty Management Assciatin (ICMA). Participants in these gatherings prvided illuminating insights int pprtunities and challenges inherent in the visin. They als prvided invaluable venues t test, develp and refine the themes and future visin fr libraries. A list f the participants in these sessins and ther infrmal advisrs t the Dialgue appears in the Appendix, and we thank these assciatins, their leaders and participating members fr their supprt and nging engagement. While it is impssible t recrd the names f all whse ideas have been captured in this reprt, a list f ur infrmal advisrs appears in the Appendix. I wuld like t acknwledge in particular Karen Archer Perry, principal cnsultant fr Clarin Cllabrative, wh cllabrated n the initial idea f a library prject at the Aspen Institute. Karen played a significant rle in the creatin f the Dialgue n Public Libraries while serving as senir prgram fficer in the Gates Fundatin s Glbal Libraries Prgram. vi ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

8 The Dialgue has benefitted frm the participatin f thers in the planning and cmpletin f prject activities and this reprt. These individuals include Allysn Bucher and Maura Zehr f Spitfire Strategies, and Aspen Institute clleagues David Devlin-Fltz, Susanna Dilliplane, Rbert Medina and Angbeen Saleem f the Aspen Planning and Evaluatin Prgram (APEP). The Aspen Institute Cmmunicatins and Sciety Prgram staff managed all aspects f the prject with utmst prfessinalism. Our C&S Prgram team includes Ian Smalley, wh served as senir prject manager fr the Dialgue; Tricia Kelly, assistant directr; Rachel Phl, prgram assciate; Ariana Abadian-Heifetz, prgram assciate; and Sarah Eppehimer, senir prject manager, and Jackie Orwick, cnsultant, wh have brught the reprt t life nline at ur website. This reprt is the culminatin f a yearlng effrt and invlved many hands. Craig LaMay, assciate prfessr and interim assciate jurnalism dean at Nrthwestern University s Medill Schl, served as cnference rapprteur fr the tw wrking grup meetings and wrte an early draft. We are grateful fr his wrk capturing the initial ideas fr the visin; Craig s analysis and writing are reflected in this final reprt. As the year prgressed, the Dialgue received additinal writing and editing supprt frm Bb Rthman and Christine Becker, as well as individual wrking grup members. The final reprt is a synthesis f many cntributins. Any missins and errrs cntained in this reprt are the sle respnsibility f the reprt s final authr, the directr f the Dialgue. Finally, I am deeply grateful t Maureen Sullivan, past president f the American Library Assciatin, Susan Bentn, president f the Urban Libraries Cuncil and Susan Hildreth, directr f the Institute f Museum and Library Services. Each has wrn many hats in this prject frm its inceptin: participant, cnsultant, mderatr, partner, mentr, advcate and friend. With their deep well f knwledge, keen intuitin and visin fr what it will take t raise every library t great new heights, Maureen, Susan and Susan have prvided invaluable leadership and supprt, and I thank them. Amy K. Garmer, Directr Aspen Institute Dialgue n Public Libraries Octber 2014 RISING TO THE CHALLENGE vii

9 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Expanding access t educatin, learning pprtunities and scial cnnectins fr all is ne f the great challenges f ur time. It is a challenge made mre urgent by the rapid transitin frm ld industrial and service-based ecnmic mdels t a new ecnmy in which knwledge and creativity are the drivers f prductivity and ecnmic grwth, and infrmatin, technlgy and learning are central t ecnmic perfrmance and prsperity. It is nt nly the ecnmy but all f sciety that is being reshaped by these trends. Amid these changes, there are divides in wealth, digital inclusin and participatin that threaten t widen if we as a natin d nt cmmit t new thinking and aggressive actin t prvide these pprtunities fr all. This is a time f great pprtunity fr cmmunities, institutins and individuals wh are willing t champin new thinking and nurture new relatinships. It is a time f particular pprtunity fr public libraries with their unique stature as trusted cmmunity hubs and repsitries f knwledge and infrmatin. viii EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

10 THE PUBLIC LIBRARY IN THE DIGITAL AGE Libraries are essential t success and prgress in the digital age. The prcess f re-envisining public libraries t maximize their impact reflects: PUBLIC LIBRARIES AT THE CENTER OF THE DIGITAL AGE Principles that have always been at the center f the public library s missin equity, access, pprtunity, penness and participatin The library s capacity t drive pprtunity and success in tday s knwledge-based sciety An emerging mdel f netwrked libraries that prmtes ecnmies f scale and bradens the library s resurce reach while preserving its lcal presence Public libraries are pised t play a leading rle in helping individuals and cmmunities adapt t this changing wrld. Many libraries already are linking individuals t infrmatin and learning pprtunities, driving develpment and innvatin, and serving as cmmunity cnnectrs. With nearly 9,000 public library systems and 17,000 library branches and utlets acrss the cuntry, there is already a significant physical presence and infrastructure t leverage fr lng-term success. The library s fundamental peple, place and platfrm assets The Dialgue s perspective n the 21stcentury library builds n the public library s prven track recrd in strengthening cmmunities and calls fr libraries t be centers f learning, creativity and innvatin in the digital age. N lnger a nice-t-have amenity, the public library is a key partner in sustaining the educatinal, ecnmic and civic health f the cmmunity during a time f dramatic change. Public libraries inspire learning and empwer peple f all ages. They prmte a better trained and educated wrkfrce. They ensure equitable access and prvide imprtant civic space fr advancing demcracy and the cmmn gd. Public libraries are engines f develpment within their cmmunities. Enabling all libraries t fulfill their new rles will require library leaders, plicy makers and cmmunity stakehlders t re-envisin the public library and take advantage f the pprtunities it ffers. RISING TO THE CHALLENGE ix

11 PEOPLE, PLACE AND PLATFORM The emerging value prpsitin f the public library is built arund three key assets peple, place and platfrm: PEOPLE. The public library is a hub f civic engagement, fstering new relatinships and strengthening the human capital f the cmmunity. Librarians are actively engaged in the cmmunity. They cnnect individuals t a vast array f lcal and natinal resurces and serve as neutral cnveners t fster civic health. They facilitate learning and creatin fr children and adults alike. PLACE. The public library is a welcming space fr a wide range f purpses reading, cmmunicating, learning, playing, meeting and getting business dne. Its design recgnizes that peple are nt merely cnsumers f cntent but creatrs and citizens as well. Its physical presence prvides an anchr fr ecnmic develpment and neighbrhd revitalizatin, and helps t strengthen scial bnds and cmmunity identity. The library is als a virtual space where individuals can gain access t infrmatin, resurces and all the rich experiences the library ffers. In the creative design f its physical and virtual spaces the public library defines what makes a great public space. PLATFORM. The public library is user-centered. It prvides pprtunities fr individuals and the cmmunity t gain access t a variety f tls and resurces with which t discver and create new knwledge. The platfrm enables the curatin and sharing f the cmmunity s knwledge and innvatin. A great library platfrm is a third place an interactive entity that can facilitate many peple perating individually and in grups and supprts the learning and civic needs f the cmmunity. x EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

12 STRATEGIES FOR SUCCESS The Dialgue cncludes that the lng-term health f libraries is essential t the lng-term health f the cmmunities they serve and identified fur strategic pprtunities fr actin t guide the cntinuing transfrmatin. 1. ALIGNING LIBRARY SERVICES IN SUPPORT OF COMMUNITY GOALS Public libraries that align their peple, place and platfrm assets and create services that priritize and supprt lcal cmmunity gals will find the greatest pprtunities fr success in the years ahead. Managers f lcal gvernments reprt that it is ften difficult t priritize libraries ver ther cmmunity services such as museums r parks and recreatin departments that als serve a distinctly public missin. What libraries need is t be mre intentinal in the ways that they deply resurces in the cmmunity, and mre deeply embedded in addressing the critical challenges facing the cmmunity. This will require a level f flexibility and adaptability t change as cmmunity needs change. It will als require cllabratin amng libraries, plicy makers and cmmunity partners t redefine the rle f libraries as institutins that inspire learning, drive develpment, grw scial capital and create pprtunities. 2. PROVIDING ACCESS TO CONTENT IN ALL FORMATS As the public library shifts frm a repsitry fr materials t a platfrm fr learning and participatin, its ability t prvide access t vast amunts f cntent in all frmats is vital. Libraries face tw immediate majr challenges in prviding access t cntent in all frms: Being able t prcure and share e-bks and ther digital cntent n the same basis as physical versins Having affrdable, universal bradband technlgies that deliver and help create cntent Dealing with bth challenges have been high pririties fr public libraries thrughut the cuntry. The challenges have been particularly acute fr small libraries, thse in rural cmmunities and in sme urban areas where limited budgets make access t e-bks and upgrades t high-speed bradband difficult despite high cmmunity need fr and interest in bth. Ensuring access t e-bks, ther e-cntent and mre-than-adequate highspeed bradband is a big cncern ging frward because it impacts the public library s ability t fulfill ne f its cre missins t prcure and share the leading ideas f the day and enable everyne t participate in the wrld s cnversatins. RISING TO THE CHALLENGE xi

13 3. ENSURING THE LONG-TERM SUSTAINABILITY OF PUBLIC LIBRARIES Perhaps the greatest challenge facing public libraries tday is t transfrm their service mdel t meet the demands f the knwledge sciety while securing a sustainable funding base fr the future. With limited and smetimes vlatile funding, hwever, such transfrmatins will be uneven and incmplete. In additin, the highly lcal nature f public library funding and gvernance structures may interfere with bth rapid and brad-scale prgress the kind f scale needed t cmpete and thrive in a wrld f glbal netwrks. Challenges that shape the discussin abut lng-term public library sustainability given their vital rle in the digital era include: Identifying reliable surces f revenue fr daily peratins as well as lng-term planning and investment Explring alternative gvernance structures and business mdels that maximize efficient and sustainable library peratins and custmer service 4. CULTIVATING LEADERSHIP Leadership is needed acrss the cmmunity frm elected fficials, gvernment leaders, business and civic leaders and libraries themselves t build cmmunities and public libraries that thrive and succeed tgether. Visin is a critical cmpnent f leadership. Every cmmunity needs a visin and a strategic plan fr hw t wrk with the public library t directly align the library and its wrk with the cmmunity s educatinal, ecnmic and ther key gals. It must have input frm all stakehlder grups in the cmmunity. Key steps in building cmmunity leadership t supprt the public library include imprving cmmunicatins with cmmunity leaders, develping cmmunity champins, strengthening intersectins with diverse cmmunities and cmmunities f clr, reaching ut t and engaging with yung-prfessinal rganizatins and demnstrating the cllective impact f partners wrking tgether. Becming mre skilled at measuring utcmes rather than cunting activities Balancing the lcal and natinal library value prpsitin t cnsider ecnmies f scale in a netwrked wrld withut cmprmising lcal cntrl xii EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

14 RISING TO THE CHALLENGE Re-Envisining Public Libraries RISING TO THE CHALLENGE 1

15 A NEW WORLD OF KNOWLEDGE Expanding access t educatin, learning pprtunities and scial cnnectin fr all is ne f the great challenges f ur time. It is a challenge made mre urgent by the rapid transitin frm ld industrial and service-based ecnmic mdels t a new ecnmy in which knwledge and creativity are the drivers f prductivity and ecnmic grwth, and infrmatin, technlgy and learning are central t ecnmic perfrmance and prsperity. It is nt nly the ecnmy but all f sciety that is being reshaped by these trends. Amid these changes, there are trubling divides in wealth, digital inclusin and participatin that threaten t widen if we as a natin d nt cmmit t new thinking and aggressive actin t prvide these pprtunities fr all. 2 EXECUTIVE A NEW WORLD SUMMARY OF KNOWLEDGE

16 The digital era has prduced remarkable changes in everyday life fr the individual as well as fr the cmmunity. Scial media cnnect peple acrss twn and arund the wrld, enabling new kinds f cmmunities that transcend gegraphic barriers. We have experienced a huge Gutenberg-scale inflectin pint in the last 10 years. The wrld has gne frm cnnected t hypercnnected and frm intercnnected t interdependent. THOMAS FRIEDMAN Mbile technlgies prvide always-n cnnectivity t peple and infrmatin, and they enable us t enjy mre highly persnalized and immediate experiences with infrmatin, media, educatin and cmmerce. Advances in sensrs and related technlgy are making individuals healthier and ur cmmunities even smarter while at the same time creating muntains f data t be filtered, analyzed and turned int new knwledge. Infrmed, engaged citizens demand a strnger vice and greater participatin in shaping their cmmunities and increased gvernment transparency and accuntability. These envirnments are shaped by a vast explsin f easily accessible infrmatin and new definitins f cmmunity, as well as a need fr new resurces and skills. The changes and their impacts are dramatic: TECHNOLOGY has made it pssible fr individuals t have instant access in their hmes r n prtable devices t the equivalent f the Library f Cngress s entire hldings. 1 COMMUNITIES, nce defined almst exclusively by gegraphic bundaries, are increasingly shaped by scial media, ften based n mutual interests rather than physical lcatin. Netwrks, rather than neighbrhds, have becme the dminant frm f scial rganizatin. Entire industries are upended by the smetimes disrupting impact f digital technlgies; new markets, new businesses, and new relatinships arise frm the glbal t the hyperlcal levels, in sme cases affrding greater chice in where t live and wrk. Amng the transfrmative scial changes brught n by digitizatin are new infrmatin and learning envirnments in which knwledge is n lnger stable ver many years and skills quickly becme bslete. EMPLOYMENT is increasingly transient, with the average wrker staying in a jb 4.4 years rather than an entire career. Amng wrkers brn between 1979 and 1999, average tenure is 2.2 years r less. 2 Keeping up with a mre mbile jb marketplace requires access t infrmatin and resurces and skills t navigate vast amunts f infrmatin. RISING TO THE CHALLENGE 3

17 The knwledge ecnmy requires individuals t acquire a range f skills and t cntinuusly adapt thse skills t changing circumstances. Authr and New Yrk Times clumnist Thmas Friedman has written abut the impact that the evlutin t a digitally driven ecnmy, with its demand fr cntinual renewal f skills, is having n individuals and cmmunities. Friedman calls it a 401(k) wrld a wrld f defined cntributins, nt defined benefits. 3 We have experienced a huge Gutenbergscale inflectin pint in the last 10 years. The wrld has gne frm cnnected t hypercnnected and frm intercnnected t interdependent. This has been such a shift in degree that it has becme a shift in kind, Friedman says in a 2014 interview. 4 Driving this big shift is the emergence and rapid diffusin f fur majr technlgies persnal cmputing, the Internet, cllabrative wrkflw sftware and search capabilities (e.g., Ggle) which Friedman bserves has created a platfrm n which mre peple frm mre places culd cmpete, cnnect and cllabrate as individuals r cmpanies fr less mney with greater efficiency and greater ease than ever befre. 5 T a significant degree, the knwledge ecnmy gives birth t the creatin ecnmy, a free-agent ecnmy in which pprtunities fr lifelng learning must be abundant and peple need skills as knwledge creatrs, nt simply infrmatin cnsumers. Imprtantly, these learning pprtunities must be present thrughut the cmmunity and persistent thrughut a lifetime. 6 Nw the half-life f a skill is dwn t abut five years, and genres have a lifetime f fur r five years, s mst learning in the future wn t g n in schls, said Jhn Seely Brwn, cdirectr f the Delitte Center fr the Edge, at the first meeting f the Dialgue wrking grup. We ve shifted frm stable stcks f knwledge and an archived wrld t a wrld f infrmatin flws, participatin and states f cnfusin. Nw we create as fast as we learn. The game is mre cmplicated. At the same time that the half-life f a skill is shrinking, infrmatin is becming mre abundant and the means f prductin are becming mre accessible. This pens up new channels fr sharing and the distributin f knwledge. A state f infrmatin abundance places a premium n the ability t navigate, create and innvate in this new envirnment. The ability t explit these means f prductin and knwledge sharing has becme the new literacy. 7 In this envirnment, success will belng t the entrepreneurial learner, the persn capable f finding resurces anywhere and using them t read the wrld and teach themselves. 8 The sweeping changes underway pse new and sustained challenges fr cmmunities, which are changing as well. Over the next three decades, the U.S. ppulatin is expected t grw t mre than 400 millin, with mst f that grwth cming frm immigratin. 4 A NEW WORLD OF KNOWLEDGE

18 By 2050, ne in five Americans will be an immigrant, and 30 percent f the ppulatin is prjected t be Hispanic. The United States is aging, t: By 2050, ne in five Americans will be ver the age f Cncurrent with these demgraphic changes are fundamental shifts in the ecnmy that change hw Americans will learn and earn a living. In its 2009 reprt, the Knight Cmmissin n the Infrmatin Needs f Cmmunities in a Demcracy described the digital era as a mment f technlgical pprtunity unleashing innvatin in the creatin and distributin f infrmatin and requiring new thinking and aggressive actin. The Cmmissin went n t say, Every advance in cmmunicatins technlgy expands the pssibilities fr American demcracy, but every infrmatin system als creates ptential winners and lsers. 10 Hw we seize this mment f pprtunity, and the visins and actins that carry us frward int the future, will affect nt nly the health and prsperity f individuals and families, but the quality f the demcratic cmmunities that we nurish and sustain in the 21st century. Will they be thriving, prsperus and sustainable cmmunities that attract new residents? Will they be places where we will want t live? WHAT PEOPLE AND COMMUNITIES NEED TO FLOURISH IN THE KNOWLEDGE ECONOMY LIFELONG ACCESS t an ever-increasing and everchanging bdy f knwledge and tls t ensure that their skills remain relevant t the current ecnmy as it cntinues t evlve THE CAPACITY AND DISPOSITION TO LEARN IN SMALL, QUICK DOSES rather than wade thrugh munds f links and piles f data that prvide t much infrmatin and t little knwledge THE ABILITY TO USE, UNDERSTAND AND PROCESS INFORMATION IN MANY DIFFERENT FORMS including text, data, audi and vide and t evaluate the quality f infrmatin frm different surces and understand its relevance. PLACES TO GATHER, cllabrate and cntribute t knwledge develpment ACCESS TO CONVERSATIONS AMONG CREATIVE PEOPLE in their areas f interest s that they can innvate and develp r maintain a cmpetitive advantage in the knwledge ecnmy Peple and cmmunities need PUBLIC LIBRARIES. RISING TO THE CHALLENGE 5

19 Appraches t managing the pprtunities and risks f this new era can differ widely frm cmmunity t cmmunity, but there are appraches that are emerging as indicatrs f success. One f these is re-envisining the rle f the public library as a vital learning institutin and engine fr individual, cmmunity and civil sciety develpment. The library, the mst demcratic f public institutins, is the essential civil sciety space where this new America will make its demcratic character. The library is a cre civil sciety institutin, demcracy s maker space. In a healthy demcracy, civil sciety is the piece that makes the rest f the demcratic machinery pssible and wrkable. Mst simply, civil sciety cnsists f everything that falls under the rubric f vluntary assciatin, frm churches t neighbrhd assciatins, sftball leagues t garden clubs. The library, the mst demcratic f public institutins, is the essential civil sciety space where this new America will make its demcratic character. Civil sciety perfrms a number f critical functins: It prvides a buffer between the individual and the pwer f the state and the market, it creates scial capital, and it develps demcratic values and habits. 11 Civil sciety is where citizens becme citizens. By design and traditin, the public library is the essential civil sciety institutin. Thrugh the prvisin f space, infrmatin and inspiratin, it enables all the thers. The institutin f the public library is uniquely psitined t prvide access, skills, cntext and trusted platfrms fr adapting in this new sciety. 6 A NEW WORLD OF KNOWLEDGE

20 A RENEWED VISION OF THE PUBLIC LIBRARY America s public libraries have changed with the times with remarkable skill and agility ver their lng histry. The natin s nearly 9,000 public library systems remain highly trusted cmmunity anchrs where resurces are universally available and everyne is welcme. Libraries are stable, reliable, nimble and always there. RISING TO THE CHALLENGE 7

21 Libraries can help yu get frm t much infrmatin t knwledge. While remaining cmmitted t their essential missin f prviding access t knwledge and prmting literacy, 21st-century library rles extend far beynd bk lending. Fr example, when Hurricane Sandy ravaged Queens, New Yrk, in Octber 2012, the Queens Public Library jined the respnse effrt by prviding emergency supplies, cmfrt and referrals, and served as a steady and visible resurce t a cmmunity in need. Within three days f the strm, the library pened a mbile site near the hardest hit areas f the brugh t prvide infrmatin, referrals and a safe place fr strm-weary residents. 12 Public libraries have cntinued t evlve bth t respnd t immediate challenges and t build their capacity t address lngterm individual and cmmunity needs, pprtunities and challenges. The breadth f their wrk in the cmmunities they serve tday is staggering, including lifelng learning pprtunities, wrkfrce develpment, civic engagement, disaster recvery, public health, envirnmental sustainability and mre. Yet in the face f the new realities f the 401(k) wrld, even public libraries must define their cntributins, nt just their benefits. Public libraries are pised fr this transfrmatin. We lament when institutins dig in their heels and embrace the status qu, says Julia Stasch, then-vice president f U.S. prgrams fr the Jhn D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Fundatin, in an interview fr a 2012 special editin f Natinal Civic Review n Public Libraries and Civic Engagement. In cntrast, libraries n the whle are eager t embrace changes in sciety. 13 NORMAN JACKNIS Libraries eagerness t embrace changes in sciety, while retaining the fundatins that have made them trusted, welcming places fr everyne, make them ideal partners in the digital age. In fact, libraries, mre than any ther institutin, have the stature and capacity t make the prmise f the knwledge sciety available t all Americans. A reprt by Internatinal Data Crpratin fund that in 2010 the quantity f infrmatin transmitted glbally exceeded ne zettabyte fr the first time and is dubling every tw years. 14 The Internatinal Federatin f Library Assciatins and Institutins (IFLA) further identified five trends as particularly imprtant develpments that cmmunities and their libraries will have t watch and t which they will have t respnd: NEW TECHNOLOGIES will bth expand and limit wh has access t infrmatin. ONLINE EDUCATION will demcratize and disrupt glbal learning, but ging glbal and mbile des nt mean yu have t lse tactile and lcal. THE BOUNDARIES OF PRIVACY AND DATA PROTECTION will be redefined. HYPERCONNECTED SOCIETIES will listen t and empwer new vices and grups. THE GLOBAL INFORMATION ECONOMY will be transfrmed by new technlgies A RENEWED VISION OF THE PUBLIC LIBRARY

22 Persistent educatin and learning are the reality... the library as peple, place and platfrm is the new knwledge institutin that can serve all thse needs. LEE RAINIE These are issues that library leaders, plicymakers and the public will need t address as public library mdels and services evlve in the digital age. The Dialgue s discussins and cnclusins raised these same issues and cncluded that a willingness t engage in new thinking arund issues such as privacy and data prtectin, and t develp new appraches t preserving these in the digital age, are needed. Libraries will have t cntend with these issues if they hpe t be at the center f this transfrmatin, helping individuals, cmmunities and leaders navigate the big shift t a digital sciety. While libraries have lng played an imprtant rle in helping individuals navigate changes such as ffering services and resurces t supprt new immigrants in the cmmunity the digital transfrmatin and its effect n all aspects f life is dramatic, cmprehensive and permanent. The pace and cmplexity f change are likely t increase rather than ebb. As public libraries acquire new rles as platfrms fr lifelng learning and ecnmic and scial develpment, they likely will need t cnsider new rganizatinal, gvernance and business mdels in respnse t these pressures and trends. The grand theme is that ubiquitus educatin and learning rises with ubiquitus cmputing, ntes Lee Rainie, directr f the Pew Research Center Internet Prject. Persistent educatin and learning are the reality as peple march thrugh their days with their smartphnes and, sn, the Internet f Things embedded everywhere. The library as peple, place and platfrm is the new knwledge institutin that can serve all thse needs. RISING TO THE CHALLENGE 9

23 PEOPLE, PLACE AND PLATFORM The rle f the 21st-century library in the digital era is built n its three key assets: peple, place and platfrm. THE LIBRARY AS PEOPLE Take away my peple, but leave my factries, and sn grass will grw n the factry flrs. Take away my factries, but leave my peple, and sn we will have a new and better factry. ANDREW CARNEGIE The library as peple reflects the shift away frm building cllectins t building human capital, relatinships and knwledge netwrks in the cmmunity. Peple are at the center f the library s missin t inspire and cultivate learning, advance knwledge and nurture and strengthen cmmunities. While there are thusands f stries in the public library, the nes that matter mst cme with the peple wh use the library. The public library cmes alive when it is teeming with peple frm all walks f life: 16 PARENTS reading with their children in clrful, cmfrtable chairs TEENS learning hw t write cde fr a new vide game in a nisy learning lab STUDENTS meeting in a library classrm fr grup discussin as part f an nline high schl curse JOB SEEKERS wrking n résumés in career centers, with guidance frm a business librarian ENTREPRENEURS preparing presentatins in cwrking spaces, using the library-prvided Wi-Fi and creating new prducts in maker spaces IMMIGRANTS learning English in classes and imprving their jb-seeking skills with the help f cmmunity mentrs RETIREES using new nline tls t create digital scrapbks fr their grandchildren AUTHORS publishing bks n new library publishing platfrms 10 A RENEWED VISION OF THE PUBLIC LIBRARY

24 In this peple-driven envirnment, skilled librarians help peple navigate new technlgy, manage vast amunts f data and meet their infrmatin needs. With the resurces and knw-hw t deliver individualized learning and scial experiences, the public library delivers a high-tuch participatry experience t supprt persnal gals. Library staffs anticipate individual and cmmunity needs and cnnect peple t available resurces, bth lcally and glbally. As the library s rles change and expand, library staff have refined and bradened their skills t meet new needs and define the library s cntinuing value t the cmmunity. They serve many rles, as caches, mentrs, facilitatrs and teachers mre than as surces f infrmatin. Measuring utcmes is mre imprtant than measuring utputs. An intelligent cmmunity, nt large circulatin numbers, is the primary library gal. LIBRARY AS PEOPLE: GROW A READER EARLY LITERACY APP The Calgary Public Library s Grw a Reader app takes the fun, interactive cntents frm ppular early childhd literacy prgrams and delivers it t parents via their mbile devices. Urban Libraries Cuncil. Edited and reprinted with permissin. Urban Libraries Cuncil, 2013 Tp Innvatrs Parents wh aren t able t attend prgrams with their tddlers can use the app t try ut literacy skills and behavirs at hme. Grw a Reader, which was designed by the library s Virtual Services and Children, Teens and Families departments with invlvement f a vide prductin cmpany and an app develper, features 35 vides starring 10 library children services staff. The app can be updated easily by library staff s that vendrs aren t needed n an nging basis. Calgary has a rapidly grwing ppulatin and an nging baby bm. In less than tw mnths, the Grw a Reader app was dwnladed 1,200 times. It has als made sme library staff ppular stars amng yung readers. One tddler seemed mesmerized by his teacher during a parent-child Mther Gse sessin because, his mther said, he enjys watching the vides n mm s phne and recgnized ne f the library stars! RISING TO THE CHALLENGE 11

25 Andrew Sliwinski, c-funder and chief maker at DIY.rg, addresses the need fr new cmpetencies and skills within libraries: Cntinuusly extending the definitin f the librarian is neither sustainable nr really in the lng-term interest f the institutin. Rather, specializatin is needed with a fcus n maximizing the ability fr the human capital within the library, which is ne f its largest resurces, t engage with patrns. It is thrugh this engagement that the values and the assets within each library can be mst fully realized and leveraged by sciety. Dmain expertise is ne f the new scarcities in a wrld therwise verflwing with infrmatin. Hw des a library achieve such specializatin withut just hiring new librarians? Hw des a library get mre librarians engaging with mre peple? In part, by leveraging its infrastructure t allw fr this dmain expertise t be shared utward, widely, frm urban t rural and t draw frm the expertise in the cmmunity. Beth Jeffersn, president and CEO f Biblicmmns, says a cmmn descriptr given t librarians in the new infrmatin marketplace is guides. But there is simply t much infrmatin fr that t be a realistic gal, she says, and while cllecting and mining data might be useful, yu need tns f data and the smarts t make sense f it. We are n lnger gatekeepers; we are navigatrs. SUSAN HILDRETH The better respnse, she says, is t talk f librarians as curatrs fr their cmmunities, and cmmunities themselves as curatrs. The skill set libraries need is dmain expertise, and fr that libraries need t draw n the peple in their cmmunities t help design what Jeffersn calls cllabrative filters designed with the public interest in mind. Cmmercial search engines are great, but their algrithms are designed with a fr-prfit pint f view. Libraries are in a different business. Curatin in the public interest is distinctly missing. Building strng relatinships with thse wh are prviding cntent is an imprtant gal f the peple-fcused public library. This includes nt nly publishers but als jurnalists, filmmakers, artists and infrmatin wrkers. Publishers and libraries have had a healthy relatinship fr a lng time despite mre recent cntrversies ver e-bk access and pricing. Digital technlgies have disrupted the traditinal publishing/ library supply chain. Cnsequently, libraries need t be sensitive t and engaged with the ecsystem that prduces the cntent that gets int libraries, whether user-generated r prfessinally created cntent. This includes a recgnitin that an increasing amunt f cntent prduced is in new frms, especially large amunts f visual cntent, including vide, phtgraphs, maps and ther frms f digitized and visualized data. 12 A RENEWED VISION OF THE PUBLIC LIBRARY

26 THE LIBRARY AS PLACE The library is first and fremst a place a place that prmtes develpment in sciety. It is the family rm f a cmmunity. That s the visin, that s the future. AKHTAR BADSHAH Tday s library is bth a physical and virtual place, but it cntinues t be the physical presence f the library that anchrs it mst firmly in the cmmunity. Research and experience shw that gegraphy and place still matter. 17 The Pew Research Center s survey n library usage fund that a large prprtin f Americans, even thse wh seldm visit a library, cnsider libraries imprtant institutins in their gegraphic cmmunities and believe that their cmmunities wuld suffer a lss if the library clsed. 18 In an increasingly virtual wrld, physical library places are cmmunity assets. They: ESTABLISH PERSONAL CONNECTIONS that help define cmmunity needs and interests PROVIDE AN ANCHOR fr ecnmic develpment and neighbrhd revitalizatin STRENGTHEN COMMUNITY IDENTITY in ways that yield significant return n investment, including drawing peple tgether fr diverse purpses PROVIDE A SAFE AND TRUSTED LOCATION fr cmmunity services such as health clinics, emergency respnse centers, small business incubatrs, wrkfrce develpment centers and immigrant resurce centers CREATE CONNECTING PLACES in new lcatins that draw peple tgether shpping malls, big bx stres, airprts and mbile buses PUBLIC LIBRARY USERS AND PROPONENTS ARE NOT A NICHE GROUP RISING TO THE CHALLENGE 13

27 Libraries have always been an ecnmic driver f cmmunities, says Rbert Harrisn, city administratr f Issaquah, Washingtn. Libraries are like Starbucks withut the cffee: an imprtant place t build scial cnnectins. Anyne can use it. The physical library will becme less abut citizens checking ut bks and mre abut citizens engaging in the business f making their persnal and civic identities. As mre infrmatin mves t digital frmats, public libraries will hld less material lcally in their physical cllectins. Library users will be able t access infrmatin digitally wherever it resides thrugh library netwrks. While traditinal cmputer wrk statins remain imprtant and in demand, persnal r shared mbile devices that prvide easy cnnectins t library Wi-Fi and high-speed bradband netwrks are becming a dminant frm f cnnectin. The reductin in physical materials, greater custmer mbility and the desire fr mre cllabratin and creatin are changing the nature f the public library s physical space. 20 The physical library must underg a transitin that embraces the penness and flexibility needed t thrive in a wrld f cnstant change. Central t this flexibility is creating spaces that can adapt t the changing peratinal mdels f libraries. The library s virtual presence must be as engaging as it s phyical space and fully serve the library s missin built arund equitable access, learning and civic develpment. In an article fr Library Jurnal, architect Peter Gislfi cntrasts the ways we were in the 20th century mdel quiet, large areas f stacks and extensive cllectins f printed material, an impsing circulatin desk, mdest cmmunity rm with emerging trends that recgnize varied and new uses. These trends range frm greater transparency amng spaces, larger spaces fr children and teens, meeting and activity rms f different sizes t accmmdate public events and perfrmances r cwrking and cllabratin and technlgy-centric spaces. Gislfi advises, Whether yu build a new library r transfrm an existing ne, d nt build the best library f the previus century. Create an envirnment that facilitates new patterns f interacting, learning and accessing infrmatin and is sufficiently flexible t accmmdate changes that inevitably will cme. 21 The public library remains a destinatin fr many users, serving many purpses persnal quiet time fr reading, research r hmewrk; supervised afterschl activities until parents get hme frm wrk; public events and perfrmances; innvatin labs, hacker and maker spaces; and cwrking and cllabratin spaces. 14 A RENEWED VISION OF THE PUBLIC LIBRARY

28 Many libraries are creating spaces that are rich with tls and technlgies that inspire and facilitate learning, discvery and creatin and where experimentatin is encuraged with trained library staff and cmmunity mentrs. Peple and technlgy meet at the library. But as a learning place, the library becmes mre than a destinatin, a term that suggests an end r arrival pint. Instead, the library becmes a way statin n the learning jurney, a place that ne passes thrugh n the way t sme ther destinatin. This shift in rle will impact the physical space f the library, the ways in which peple interact with it and the types f services prvided there. In additin t being a physical space, the library in the digital age is a virtual space accessible frm anywhere 24/7. Websites, nline discussin grups, classes, bk clubs and library-hsted Wi-Fi htspts are examples f the grwing cmmunity presence f the always-pen virtual library. The library as it exists within virtual space must be cnsidered as a whlly independent but highly integrated experience; that is, the library s virtual presence must be as engaging as its physical space and fully serve the library s missin built arund equitable access, learning and civic develpment. Platfrms must be cnceived that address nt nly the peratinal and practical benefits f libraries but als benefits that are emtinal and highly scial. LIBRARY AS PLACE: NEW CONNECTIONS AND NEW PLACES A theater in a library and a library in an airprt are tw examples f tday s library as place. The Rn Rbinsn Theater, part f the Central Arkansas Library System s main library campus, is a 315-seat multi-use venue with state f the art technlgy. At the theater, the library prvides a range f prgrams, including films, music perfrmances, plays, readings, lectures, speakers and children s activities. The library sught and wn a bnd issue t fund the cnstructin f the building in a public-private partnership. In additin t the library s theater, the building includes retail stres, ffices and a restaurant. The theater is als used by ther grups such as the Little Rck Film Festival and the Clintn Schl f Public Service. It enriches and strengthens the cultural, ecnmic and educatinal life f the cmmunity. The Free Library in Philadelphia partnered with the Airprt Authrity t pen a virtual library at the Philadelphia Internatinal Airprt. While relaxing in cmfrtable lunge chairs in a virtual reading rm, custmers can lg n t the airprt s free Wi-Fi t access the Free Library s e-bks, nearly 1,200 authr pdcasts, and ther digital cntent. RISING TO THE CHALLENGE 15

29 This requires thinking beynd the transactin that characterizes many nline library experiences tday. The public library shuld define what makes a great nline public space. Yet there are hurdles t develping the nline library experience beynd simple transactins and infrmatin retrieval, including the expertise t d s, insufficient financial and technical resurces and the lack f adequate bradband capacity and digital literacy skills in many areas. Library Wi-Fi in disadvantaged neighbrhds may address an issue that is eched in the Pew Research Center s library user tplgy survey, Frm Distant Admirers t Library Lvers and Beynd, which fund higher rates f library use amng the wealthier and better-educated members f the cmmunity and cmparatively lwer rates f library use in prer and less-educated cmmunities. 22 Easily accessible Wi-Fi may prvide the spark needed t encurage residents t cme int the physical library and explre the prgrams, wrkshps and services it has t ffer. In a new twist n prviding Wi-Fi, the New Yrk Public Library and Chicag Public Library have launched prgrams that prvide takehme Internet access (Wi-Fi htspts ) and digital training fr residents in neighbrhds where digital access is lw. SCHOOL BANK/FINANCIAL INST. HEALTH INSURANCE CO. GOVT. AGENCY JOB/EMPLOYER Frm day ne, we have wrked t increase Internet cnnectivity and knwledge fr ur residents because tday s digital skills are 21st-century wrkfrce skills, said Mayr Rahm Emanuel at the time Chicag s Internet t G prgram was annunced. 25 In keeping with the public library s fcus n peple, Chicag Public Library Cmmissiner Brian Bannn said during a panel discussin n the future f libraries at the 2014 Aspen Ideas Festival that the prgram is less abut the technlgy, mre abut the supprt f the individual, the family and the cmmunity A RENEWED VISION OF THE PUBLIC LIBRARY

30 A great library platfrm is a third place an interactive entity that can facilitate peple perating individually r in grups. THE LIBRARY AS PLATFORM Every bk, every idea, every image, every archive, every piece f infrmatin shuld nt nly be available fr free nline anytime, anywhere, but als needs t be curated and linked s that anyne in the wrld can engage in the creative activity that we all rely n t build a better wrld. ANTHONY MARX The transfrmatins f the digital age enable individuals and cmmunities t create their wn learning and knwledge. T that end, libraries becme platfrms bases n which individuals and cmmunities create services, data and tls that benefit the cmmunity. 27 They allw fr innvatin that the platfrm creatrs cannt anticipate. Users may custmize the platfrm and adapt its resurces t their individual needs, whatever thse needs may be. The library as cmmunity learning platfrm is the innvative prpsitin f the public library in the digital age. Accrding t David Weinberger f Harvard University, the library platfrm can be thught f as an infrastructure that is as ubiquitus and persistent as the streets and sidewalks f a twn, r the classrms and yards f a university. Think f the library as cextensive with the gegraphic area that it serves, like a canpy, r as we say these days, like a clud. 28 A great library platfrm is a third place an interactive entity that can facilitate many peple perating individually r in grups. The library platfrm supprts the learning needs and gals f the cmmunity. T accmplish this, libraries embdy the dispsitin f the entrepreneurial learner: seizing pprtunities wherever they may exist, engaging thers in the prcess. The library can then curate and archive the slutins created fr sharing and future use. As a platfrm, the library prmtes develpment in the cmmunity and sciety by identifying and filling gaps in cmmunity services including early-childhd educatin, lifelng learning, technlgy literacy and e-gvernment. 29 The library as platfrm makes the library a participatry enterprise. RISING TO THE CHALLENGE 17

31 One distinguishing feature f the library as platfrm is that it is trusted t be bjective and perate in the interests f its users. This is in cntrast t cmmercial platfrms that blur the line between user and cmmercial interests. In additin, the library is uncmprmisingly free f charge. It differentiates itself frm ther free services by selling n ads and hnring the privacy f its users. Users may pt in t features that invlve data sharing with third parties, pssibly receiving extra benefits when they enter that bargain. At the same time, as a platfrm, the library explits its assets cntent, human capital and expertise. It draws n thse assets fr cmmunity engagement and allws peple t cntribute their knwledge and experiences t thse assets. The library as platfrm creates cmmunity dialgue that makes way fr new expertise and creates scial knwledge. The library as platfrm sees itself as LaaS library as a service. Within the building itself, it starts with the biggest, fattest, mst secure pipe that is pssible, abundant Wi-Fi, devices fr brrwing and a default embrace f new interface and display gadgets. Outside the physical library, it delivers these highquality experiences n-demand t users wherever they may be and thrugh whatever device they may use and fr whatever purpse. Cntent may cme frm within the library s wn cllectins, frm a natinal cntent platfrm r anywhere in the clud. The library as platfrm radically reshapes the library s daily activities, shifting away frm the ld mdel f rganizing and lending the wrld s knwledge tward a new visin f the library as a central hub fr learning and cmmunity cnnectins. It shapes the fire hse f infrmatin frm the cmmunity as cntent is digitized and as scial media and ther cmment-surfacing technlgies bring frth data and insight abut users and the cmmunity. The library s new activities include: Bringing analytical understanding t disrganized and abundant streams f infrmatin Cnnecting peple seeking infrmatin t the resurces, peple r rganizatins that can prvide it Synthesizing, analyzing, string and curating infrmatin fr thse wh want t cnsult material in the future Facilitating discvery and serendipitus encunters with infrmatin Helping peple slve lcal prblems Recruiting vlunteers and specialists t participate in platfrm activities, especially by helping meet the needs f thse querying the system Perfrming infrmatin cncierge services and access t gvernment services that are nt at times delivered well by existing gvernment agencies 18 A RENEWED VISION OF THE PUBLIC LIBRARY

32 LIBRARY AS PLATFORM: LIBRARIES AS 21ST-CENTURY CURATORS Libraries have lng been knwn as curatrs f the cmmunity s culture and knwledge. This rle invlves rganizing infrmatin, prviding cntext, and cnnecting cntent in ways that add value fr users and the cmmunity. As available cntent grws expnentially, the library s curatr capacity becmes mre imprtant and mre challenging. Sme libraries are leading public curatin prjects using crwdsurcing techniques t engage nline cmmunities. The library can curate r, in the case f these examples, prvide the platfrm fr curatin t happen. The New Yrk Public Library s Building Inspectr prject is creating digitized images f maps that shw building ftprints in the city at particular pints in time and making the maps widely available nline. NYPL Labs is training cmputers t recgnize building shapes and ther data s that it can be cmpared ver time and engaging city residents perating as citizen cartgraphers t check the accuracy f the cmputers wrk. The prcess helps city residents see and tell the city s wn stry ver time. Based at the DC Public Library in Washingtn, DC, the MapStry prject is helping citizens t tell the stries f their neighbrhds and t see hw they are evlving ver time. With a grant frm the U.S. Army Crps f Engineers, the MapStry Fundatin team is designing a nnprfit glbal data cmmns built n pen surce cde fr anyne t use. There are map stries n the spread f bike lanes in U.S. cities and the spread f Walmart stres acrss the cuntry. With funding frm IMLS, the prject is helping DC Public Library t digitize and ge-reference its extensive map cllectin. RISING TO THE CHALLENGE 19

33 Tday, mst public libraries see their catalg as the platfrm. That will have t change as they cllect data and deply existing resurces in new ways, develp new relatinships and partnerships in the cmmunity, and restructure their spaces. T be successful, the library platfrm will require: A DIFFERENT KIND OF ACCESS INFRASTRUCTURE, including a mre rbust identificatin system that prtects individual privacy A NEW DISTRIBUTION INFRASTRUCTURE than currently used by mst libraries in rder t get physical and digital material t users MORE SOPHISTICATED ANALYTICS that will enable the library itself t becme a learning rganizatin INTEROPERABILITY t enable scaling f the platfrm and facilitate innvatin and cmpetitin Part f the challenge ahead lies in the traditinally decentralized mdel f U.S. public libraries. In that mdel, every cmmunity library ges it alne. That will nt wrk fr the library as platfrm, which fr reasns f cst and quality needs t be created n a larger scale. Ideally, a digital public library mdel wuld have a single interface r at mst a few that allws existing nline library catalgs t be fully integrated with new nes. It will prvide a single pint f access t all titles, taking the burden f bth technlgy and archiving ff individual libraries. And in an infrmatin marketplace that includes behemths like Amazn and Ggle, libraries need a platfrm rbust enugh t win what Reed Hundt, principal f REH Advisrs and frmer chairman f the Federal Cmmunicatin Cmmissin (FCC), calls the cmpetitin f platfrms. Right nw Amazn ffers a better nline experience than a bkstre, and Netflix is better at streaming vide, and that s the cmpetitin fr libraries, says Hundt. Unificatin getting libraries t wrk tgether, t integrate their intellectual and capital resurces is a critical platfrm issue. Libraries have traditinally defined and designed the user experience. Platfrms empwer thers t exercise their capabilities in creating services, data and tls. The library has t perate at scale and facilitate activities amng users that the library alne cannt handle. 20 A RENEWED VISION OF THE PUBLIC LIBRARY

34 SCALING UP: ENVISIONING A NATIONAL DIGITAL PLATFORM The public library in the digital age is a key netwrked knwledge institutin. Hwever, netwrks d nt stp at twn r city limits, r the cunty r state line. Mrever, the cnnectins they prvide and fster supprt individuals and the entire cmmunity in pursuit f educatinal, ecnmic and ther pprtunities, whether thse pprtunities are present lcally, reginally, natinally r glbally. A netwrked sciety envisins public libraries cnnecting with ther curated knwledge resurces via a scalable digital netwrk, with access t pen platfrms that enable discvery, creatin and sharing. It is imprtant t think nt nly f hw t fster cnnectins at the lcal level but als hw t scale-up in ways that pen the public library t innvatin, eliminate barriers traditinally impsed by gegraphy and address the lngterm issues f sustainability. T d this, its lcal platfrm must be cnnected acrss a shared platfrm in which libraries can calesce t wrk a netwrk f libraries and ther knwledge institutins. Unlike natinal library mdels such as in the United Kingdm and Australia, this digital platfrm wuld be a netwrk f federated public libraries and ther knwledge-creating institutins, with central hubs fr the purpse f cnnecting but lcal autnmy and cntrl ver the platfrm itself. There are mdels f cperatin amng libraries, including OCLC, the merging f independent libraries int larger reginal systems, the wrk f the Metrplitan New Yrk Library Cuncil and state educatin and research netwrks that suggest hw a library platfrm with reginal r natinal scpe may emerge. The Digital Public Library f America (DPLA) prvides ne mdel fr envisining a natinal platfrm that brings tgether the riches f the cuntry s libraries, archives and museums and makes them freely available t the wrld. The DPLA is a new kind f institutin a netwrk f state and reginal libraries, archives and ther knwledge institutins that makes their cllectins mre bradly accessible and prvides them with supprt t serve their cmmunities mre effectively. RISING TO THE CHALLENGE 21

35 The DPLA perates in three ways: AS A PORTAL that enables users t search thrugh the libraries vast cllectins in a variety f ways, depending n their needs AS A PLATFORM that enables users t create new tls and apps frm the cllectins AS AN ADVOCATE FOR A STRONG PUBLIC OPTION t ensure that materials remain accessible and pen 30 Service Hubs ffer services such as prfessinal develpment, digitizatin, and metadata creatin and enhancement: Cnnecticut Digital Archives, Digital Cmmnwealth (MA), Digital Library f Gergia, Empire State Digital Netwrk (NY), Indiana Memry, Kentucky Digital Library, Minnesta Digital Library, Mntana Memry Prject (via Muntain West Digital Library), Muntain West Digital Library, Nrth Carlina Digital Heritage Center, the Prtal t Texas Histry, Suth Carlina Digital Library. Hused at the Bstn Public Library, DPLA perates with a series f lcal hubs that prvide materials and services fr its natinal netwrk. Cntent Hubs prvide materials t the DPLA and cmmit t maintaining their digital recrds: ARTstr, Bidiversity Heritage Library, Califrnia Digital Library, David Rumsey Map Cllectin, J. Paul Getty Trust, U.S. Gvernment Printing Office, Harvard Library, HathiTrust Digital Library, Internet Archive, Natinal Archive and Recrds Administratin, New Yrk Public Library, Smithsnian Institutin, University f Flrida, University f Illinis at Urbana- Champaign, University f Suthern Califrnia Libraries, University f Virginia. Thrugh the Federal Cmmunicatins Cmmissin s E-rate refrm prceeding, DPLA has prpsed the creatin f DPLA Lcal, which wuld prvide digital services t lcal libraries t enable them t make their cllectins f cmmunity resurces mre accessible and usable. Funding is needed t initiate a pilt fr DPLA Lcal. Actin is already underway t mve the idea f a natinal digital platfrm frward. In April 2014, the Institute f Museum and Library Services held a public hearing in New Yrk amng library and archive leaders t explre varius aspects f a natinal platfrm (infrastructure, cntent, use, the creatin f tls, access at scale and skills) and its rle in furthering natinal digital initiatives. Fllwing the hearing, Maura Marx, deputy directr f IMLS, cmmented n the mmentum behind the idea f a natinal digital platfrm: I heard several peple express in different ways a central idea: that funders and practitiners shuld 22 A RENEWED VISION OF THE PUBLIC LIBRARY

36 recgnize that we stand atp abut 20 years f experimentatin and innvatin in digital library initiatives, and that it s abut time we decide which results are the mst viable and prmising and wrk in a fcused way n imprving and cnnecting thse pieces. A natinal digital library platfrm culd be: AN INNOVATION PLATFORM t facilitate the sharing f innvatins that take place at the edges f the library field and bring them int the center A WAY FOR LIBRARIANS TO SHARE infrmatin and cntent t enhance their resurces t meet similar needs AN E-BOOK PLATFORM t facilitate access t digital cntent r a bk recmmendatin engine With a natinally netwrked platfrm, library and ther leaders will als have mre capacity t think abut the wrk they can d at the natinal level that s many libraries have been s effective ding at the state and lcal levels, says Maureen Sullivan, past president f the American Library Assciatin. Sme may see risks in being t bld, but the reality at a time f churn and innvatin is that there are equal risks in nt being bld enugh. There is a financial benefit t scale as well because it increases negtiating pwer. A cmmn digital platfrm wuld help, giving libraries the ability t negtiate with cntent creatrs, such as negtiating with publishers fr a single price fr e-bk lending. With a natinally netwrked platfrm, library and ther leaders will als have mre capacity t think abut the wrk they can d at the natinal level that s many libraries have been s effective ding at the state and lcal levels. MAUREEN SULLIVAN Cnnecticut Gvernr Dannel P. Mally tk actin t supprt such negtiating pwer in June 2014 when he signed legislatin t create a statewide library e-bk platfrm, run by the Cnnecticut State Library, t negtiate better prices in e-cntent purchasing and t make e-cntent bradly accessible at any public library acrss the state. 31 Other states have pilt prjects t explre statewide platfrms fr e-bks and ther applicatins as well. Operating at scale als requires effective use f data. Public libraries are just beginning t shift their understanding f hw t cllect, analyze and use data mre effectively t make them a much smarter and mre efficient service. Hwever, perating at scale in such a way is nt part f the traditin f American libraries. The idea f truly federating libraries is unbelievably pwerful and unbelievably difficult, says Linda Jhnsn, president and CEO f the Brklyn Public Library. RISING TO THE CHALLENGE 23

37 The library is a place t catalyze curisity. Curisity, serendipity and imaginatin are things libraries can d well. JOHN SEELY BROWN CREATING GOOD COMMUNITY OUTCOMES If the library as peple, place and platfrm is the new knwledge institutin that can serve the need fr persistent pprtunities fr learning and scial cnnectin, what des it lk like fr the public library t fulfill this rle? And in what ways des the cmmunity benefit? The answers lay in understanding hw the public library draws n its deep credentials as educatrs and civic cnnectrs t repsitin the library as a key hub fr learning, innvatin and creativity in this envirnment. Tday, we see hw the public library can be especially effective in the areas f infrmal and nntraditinal learning, jbs and wrkfrce develpment, addressing new literacies, fstering civic participatin and clsing bradband and participatin divides. And innvatrs in cmmunities f all sizes are inventing the new ways in which libraries will benefit the cmmunity fr years t cme. COORDINATED, INFORMAL AND NONTRADITIONAL LEARNING Public libraries prvide a lifetime f learning pprtunities fr peple in the cmmunities they serve. They are especially effective at supprting infrmal learning, cnnecting diverse learning experiences, filling gaps between learning pprtunities and ffering new learning mdels that may nt be feasible in schls, which face tighter bundaries and cntrls. 24 A RENEWED VISION OF THE PUBLIC LIBRARY

38 IMPACT OF LIBRARIES ON COMMUNITY 32 Natinally, public libraries prvide these cmmunity access services: 0 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% ACCESS TO DATABASES 0 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% ACCESS ONLINE TO DATABASES HOMEWORK ASSISTANCE ONLINE ONLINE HOMEWORK EMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE RESOURCES ONLINE E-BOOKS EMPLOYMENT RESOURCES E-BOOKS DIGITAL REFERENCE DIGITAL REFERENCE Public libraries are als increasingly prviding these platfrm services that enable users t generate their wn cntent and cllabrate: Drawing n the Dialgue s peple, place and platfrm mdel, the prcess f re-envisining public libraries calls fr a strnger rle in learning by being mre intentinal and strategic t prduce better results. Actins t supprt this gal include: Building partnerships with lcal schls t supprt crdinated learning and reduce ut-f-schl learning lss Expanding library rles in early childhd and prekindergarten learning fr children frm lw-incme families t clse achievement gaps, reduce drput rates and help all children cmpete in the 21stcentury ecnmy Stepping up t wn afterschl and summertime learning prgrams with welldesigned curricula such as engaging, participatry learning experiences created in partnership with schls, museums, recreatin departments, and ther cmmunity learning resurces that supprt and cnnect t schl learning gals Giving virtual learning experiences a physical presence in the cmmunity by ffering events, meet-ups and multigeneratinal learning spaces and prviding infrmatin/access t the best apps t supprt virtual learning Engaging yuth in dynamic learning labs that supprt interest-driven learning thrugh use f digital media, mentrs and netwrks f pprtunity Creating alternative pathways t learning, credentialing and certificatin, and ffering digital credentials, called badges, that recgnize and acknwledge learning utside schls and frmal educatinal institutins RISING TO THE CHALLENGE 25

39 HOWARD COUNTY LIBRARY SYSTEM: HITECH: THE ROAD TO A STEM CAREER The Hward Cunty Library System s HiTech digital media lab is designed t pen drs and pprtunities t the regin s teens. Urban Libraries Cuncil. Edited and reprinted with permissin. Urban Libraries Cuncil, 2013 Tp Innvatrs The Hward Cunty Library System s HiTech digital media lab is designed t pen drs and pprtunities t the regin s teens. HiTech delivers cutting-edge science, technlgy, engineering and math (STEM) educatin using hands-n technlgy prjects, experiential learning and peer-t-peer cmmunicatins. Envisined as a launching pint fr the STEM career pipeline, HiTech fcuses n prducing the next generatin f scientists, mathematicians and engineers t meet the needs f the regin s highlyskilled jb market. The curriculum includes bth self-paced and structured learning pprtunities divided int fur mdules that emphasize interactin, imprvisatin, inventin and instructin. The HiTech Academy cmpnent fcuses n teens wh are interested in pursuing higher educatin in science, technlgy, engineering r math by prviding instructin, site visits t STEM wrk envirnments and attendance at cllegespnsred STEM sites. Since HiTech s launch, mre than 2,000 teens have participated in a wide range f classes, created a mbile game that was released in 2013 and has been dwnladed 5,000 times arund the wrld, and wrked n the library s Chse Civility e-bk featuring their wn stries and phts. 26 A RENEWED VISION OF THE PUBLIC LIBRARY

40 JOBS AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT A library that is attuned t the challenges facing the cmmunity als has a deep understanding f its ecnmic structures and challenges and the businesses that prvide the jbs that sustain the ecnmic health f the cmmunity. Libraries can help t accelerate wrkfrce develpment and learning pprtunities by prviding a cnnectin between industry and educatin. With its educatin and learning credentials and its cnnectins, the public library is in a gd psitin t cnnect cmmunity residents t the training and career develpment resurces that lcal emplyers need. They can d this by partnering with lcal businesses, chambers f cmmerce and cmmunity clleges t prvide access t curricula and resurces, t technlgy and certificatin prgrams and t jb search resurces t maintain a highly skilled yet highly flexible wrkfrce. Of particular imprtance in the digital era is the library s ability t cnnect jb seekers t the technlgy resurces needed t find and cmpete fr jb pprtunities, especially when 80 percent f Frtune 500 cmpanies nly accept nline applicatins. 33 This is a time f enrmus pprtunity fr public libraries t reach ut t lcal and state gvernments, labr departments, ecnmic develpment agencies and thers t ask hw the library can use its platfrm t create a 21st-century wrkfrce that will keep current businesses in place and attract new nes t the cmmunity. THE LIBRARY AS LITERACY CHAMPION The 21st-century library is the champin f the literacies needed t navigate infrmatin abundance, create knwledge, blster ecnmic pprtunity and make demcracy dynamic. In the digital age, cntent is widely available in diverse frmats utside traditinal publicatins, requiring new skills t succeed in this infrmatin-rich envirnment. Building n its histric cmmitment t literacy, the library is uniquely psitined t prvide access, skills, cntext and trusted platfrms fr sharing. Examples f new literacies include the ability t: INTERACT WITH TECHNOLOGY DEVICES AND CONTENT at very different levels than ever befre While libraries increasingly are seen as part f the educatin infrastructure that serves children and schls, their rle in the wrkfrce infrastructure is newer and less well understd. FILTER MASSIVE AMOUNTS OF INFORMATION and translate it int knwledge in a highly cmplex envirnment SELECT THE RIGHT TOOLS fr knwledge creatin and management RISING TO THE CHALLENGE 27

41 The public library can partner with the cmmunity t define the difference between highly literate and less literate acrss a vast range f literacies, including civic, financial and health literacy and then help clse the gap. Mst imprtantly, the public library can wrk with cmmunity partners t prvide persnalized and flexible digital learning experiences that individuals need t becme cmfrtable and adept at participating in digital sciety. 34 JOBS AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: LIBRARIES SUPPORTING WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT In Omaha, Nebraska, the Omaha Public Library has initiated new partnerships with the business cmmunity that build n the library s cmmunity engagement and learning wrk. The library is wrking with reginal sftware cmpanies and technlgy businesses lking fr wrkers with sftware and design skills t establish wrkfrce develpment initiatives that train area residents in these much-needed skills. The participating businesses are helping the library rethink its technlgy fferings t supprt wrkfrce needs. In Memphis, Tennessee, the Memphis Public Library s JbLINC mbile career center helps jb hunters find emplyment pprtunities and helps emplyers find new emplyees. The 38-ft bus delivers jb and career resurces t jb seekers at cnvenient lcatins ut in the cmmunity. It cmes equipped with cmputers, access, infrmatin resurces and staff t assist with jb listings, jb applicatins, resume writing, interviewing and imprving ther skills. In New Yrk City, the Department f Small Business Services established ne f its Wrkfrce 1 career centers at the Brklyn Central Library. The center prepares and cnnects city residents t jb pprtunities in the city, with emphasis n bth jb skills needed by lcal emplyers and sft skills such as interviewing that are equally imprtant t getting a jb. 28 A RENEWED VISION OF THE PUBLIC LIBRARY

42 THE LIBRARY AS CIVIC RESOURCE The public library is a place fr the cmmunity t experiment and cllabrate, t gather and engage, and t explre and cnfrnt imprtant cmmunity issues such as hmelessness, immigratin, ecnmic develpment, public health and envirnmental sustainability. With its deep knwledge and relatinships in the cmmunity, its physical presence and its platfrm, the public library is playing an imprtant rle in sustaining the civic health f the cmmunity. Libraries are carrying ut this imprtant civic rle in the 21st century by: SUPPORTING GOVERNMENT SERVICE DELIVERY including public health educatin, immigratin and citizenship services, gvernment jbs infrmatin, disaster respnse and recvery infrmatin ENGAGING CITIZENS IN THE GOVERNING PROCESS, bth thrugh face-t-face participatin and use f the library platfrm t strengthen citizen-citizen and citizen-gvernment partnerships CREATING NEW OPPORTUNITIES t bring peple f different backgrunds tgether t slve prblems and build strnger cmmunities Civic engagement in the digital age takes n new dimensins with exciting pprtunities fr virtual engagement. ADDRESSING THE BROADBAND AND PARTICIPATION DIVIDES At the first Dialgue wrking grup meeting, Susana Vasquez, executive directr f LISC in Chicag, displayed a map f bradband use in Chicag in which thse neighbrhds with the least cnnectivity matched almst exactly with a map f neighbrhds with the highest unemplyment, crime and vilence; the mst schl clsings; and prest health services. Fr many kids in these neighbrhds, Vasquez said, the library is the nly public institutin that wrks, that is accessible, safe and welcming. Others, like schls r the plice, kids engage nt by chice. Libraries are nt like that, she said. It s a vluntary engagement. It s a trusted institutin. Public libraries are a critical institutinal bulwark against the well-dcumented prblem f grwing incme and educatinal inequality in the United States. One reasn library use has risen in the last decade is that many Americans d nt have hme Internet access and face numerus bstacles t getting it. A 2013 Pew Research Center survey reprted that nly 70 percent f Americans have bradband access at hme in shrt, that the s-called digital divide remains persistent. 35 Amng U.S. husehlds with annual incme belw $30,000, 46 percent have n highspeed hme Internet access. 36 The pr, in ther wrds, cannt participate fully in the new learning and civic eclgies created by netwrked cmmunicatins. RISING TO THE CHALLENGE 29

43 LIBRARIES AS A CIVIC RESOURCE: HEALTHY L.I.F.E. Healthy L.I.F.E. is the Hustn Public Library s (HPL) health-based literacy initiative designed t empwer and equip families with infrmatin, resurces and tls needed fr healthy living. With 66 percent f adults and 34 percent f yuth in the Hustn area verweight r bese and ne in five Harris Cunty adults lacking basic literacy skills, the library leveraged its status as a trusted learning resurce t tackle a significant cmmunity health educatin challenge thrugh a family-learning mdel. Healthy L.I.F.E. ffers regularly-scheduled events t help parents and children learn tgether abut healthy lifestyles, stress-free living, schl success and healthy eating while als getting access t free cmmunity resurces that supprt better health. The events are held at branches that serve lwincme ppulatins, have psitive relatinships with schls and cmmunity grups, and experience high-demand fr and interest in family-centered prgramming. Since its creatin, mre than 50 agencies have wrked with the library t cntribute infrmatin, resurces, and services t mre than 3,100 families including 50,000 punds f fresh fd distributed t needy families by the Hustn Fd Bank, alng with 3,000 nutritin and fitness bks and DVDs. Amng participating families surveyed, 80 percent have cmmitted t changing their lifestyles and imprving their wn healthyliving behavirs. Urban Libraries Cuncil. Edited and reprinted with permissin. Urban Libraries Cuncil, 2014 Tp Innvatrs 30 A RENEWED VISION OF THE PUBLIC LIBRARY

44 We can t just be prviding space... we are a learning institutin, nt just an access institutin. JOHN SZABO A 2010 study by the University f Washingtn, the first t lk at cmputer use in libraries, fund that the public library prvides t millins f Americans the nly cmputer and Internet access they have. 37 Amng the things they d with that access is apply fr jbs; apply fr admissin t schls, clleges and training prgrams; renew car registratins; research health issues; find tax and ther gvernment frms; take nline curses; d hmewrk; and cmmunicate with family, friends and emplyers. Cmpetitin is nt prviding enugh fr all cmmunities, says Carlyn Anthny, directr f the Skkie Public Library. In Skkie, 50% f peple using internet in libraries dn t have cnnectin at hme. As Internet-based educatin increases, the pr have n way t acquire the digital literacy skills that are the fundatin f knwledge creatin and scial participatin in an infrmatin-based ecnmy nt withut public libraries. 38 Libraries need t stand in when ther institutins have failed. S many cmmunities are prly wired. Private cmpanies wire cities, but smaller cmmunities are ften verlked, says Rd Guld, city manager f Santa Mnica, Califrnia. Cnnectivity is essential. RISING TO THE CHALLENGE 31

45 STRATEGIES FOR SUCCESS Cnnecting peple t the wrld in a different way is the challenge f the 21st century fr public libraries in cmmunities f all sizes. Libraries lng ag established their place in the hearts f their cmmunities. Sustaining and bradening that psitin requires new thinking abut what a library is and hw it drives pprtunity and success in tday s wrld. 32 EXECUTIVE 32 STRATEGIES SUMMARY FOR SUCCESS

46 The Dialgue has identified fur strategic pprtunities fr actin t guide this cntinuing transfrmatin: ALIGNING LIBRARY SERVICES IN SUPPORT OF COMMUNITY GOALS PROVIDING ACCESS TO CONTENT IN ALL FORMATS ENSURING THE LONG-TERM SUSTAINABILITY OF PUBLIC LIBRARIES CULTIVATING LEADERSHIP Dealing with these challenges requires cllabratin amng library leaders, plicy makers at all levels f gvernment particularly thse clsest t the library and peple it serves and public and private cmmunity partners and stakehlders. The range f partners and stakehlders can and shuld be brad, t include private sectr businesses, lcal entrepreneurs, authrs and publishers, technlgy experts, nnprfit rganizatins with shared pririties, jurnalists, educatrs, cmmunity fundatins, library trustees, the public and mre. The wider the reach in building partnerships, the greater the impact fr libraries and the cmmunities they serve. RISING TO THE CHALLENGE 33

47 ALIGNING LIBRARY SERVICES IN SUPPORT OF COMMUNITY GOALS Public libraries that align their peple, place and platfrm assets and create services that priritize and supprt lcal cmmunity gals will find the greatest pprtunities fr success in the years ahead. Managers f lcal gvernments reprt that it is ften difficult t priritize libraries ver ther cmmunity services because libraries are nt perceived t be unique in their public purpse when cmpared t ther departments, such as museums r parks and recreatin, that als serve a distinctly public missin. What libraries need is t be mre intentinal in the ways that they deply resurces in the cmmunity, and mre deeply embedded in addressing the critical challenges facing the cmmunity. This will require a level f flexibility and adaptability t change as cmmunity needs change. Hw shuld libraries g abut this wrk f aligning with cmmunity needs? First, by develping relatinships with lcal gvernment and cmmunity leaders. Libraries need t be less autnmus and adpt mre cllabrative appraches t engaging with and building partnerships acrss the cmmunity. Think abut hw libraries fit int the verall strategy f cmmunities, and hw libraries can psitin themselves within the cmmunity t thrive, says Chris Cudriet, cunty manager in the Cunty f New Hanver, Nrth Carlina. This culd include establishing libraries as creative hubs, r seeing the library as a ne stp shp fr cmmunity develpment. The public library has mved frm being an institutin that primarily services individuals t ne that navigates cmmunity. TESSIE GUILLERMO 34 STRATEGIES FOR SUCCESS

48 David Swindell, directr f the Center fr Urban Innvatin at Arizna State University, bserves: Libraries are ging t becme mre f a ne-stp shp fr many purpses: a living rm, an incubatr, the public attic. There are many diverse uses that can benefit the cmmunity, but siles must be bridged. We shuld think f the future. Hw d we create a physical and virtual space s that it is adaptable t changes in the future? While lking t the future and innvatin, libraries must be cautius nt t simply chase the next big thing. It is imprtant t keep the cre values f cntributing knwledge t the cmmunity, says Rbert Kiely, city manager f Lake Frest, Illinis. The library is a place yu dn t knw yu need but culdn t live withut. ALIGNING LIBRARIES WITH COMMUNITY GOALS: LIMITLESS LIBRARIES Mre than 80,000 Nashville public schl students and 7,000 educatrs have access t a wealth f resurces thanks t this cperative prgram between the Nashville Public Library and Metr Nashville Public Schls designed t fster resurce sharing and imprve student access t learning materials. Created in 2009, at the behest f Nashville Mayr Karl Dean, Limitless Libraries began as a pilt prject in three high schls and a ninth grade academy. Tday, it serves all 128 schls with tw full-time cllectin develpment librarians and a materials budget f mre than $1 millin. Library resurces are delivered t students and educatrs at their schls bsting access t bks, mvies and music while integrating the library int students daily lives. In additin, Limitless Libraries supprts digital literacy by furnishing schls with e-readers, netbks and ipads. Since its launch, circulatin f schl library resurces has increased 79 percent; 28,000 middle and high schl students are registered Limitless Libraries users; and bulk purchasing and negtiated discunts have achieved an estimated $271,000 in savings while vastly expanding resurces. Urban Libraries Cuncil. Edited and reprinted with permissin. Urban Libraries Cuncil, 2013 Tp Innvatrs RE-ENVISIONING AMERICA S RISING TO PUBLIC THE CHALLENGE LIBRARIES 35

49 PROVIDING ACCESS TO CONTENT IN ALL FORMATS As the public library expands frm a huse f bks t a platfrm fr learning and participatin, its ability t prvide access t vast amunts f cntent in all frmats, frm traditinal print t the latest digital cntent, is vital. The participatry rganizatin, writes Nina Simn in her bk, The Participatry Museum, is a place where visitrs can create, share and cnnect with each ther arund cntent. 39 Libraries face tw immediate majr challenges in prviding access t cntent in all frms: Being able t prcure and share e-bks and ther digital cntent n the same basis as physical versins Having affrdable, universal bradband technlgies that deliver and help create cntent Dealing with bth challenges have been high pririties fr public libraries thrughut the cuntry as they strengthen their leadership rle in the digital era. The challenges have been particularly acute fr small libraries, thse in rural cmmunities and thse in sme urban areas where limited budgets make access t e-bks and high-speed bradband difficult despite high cmmunity demand fr and interest in bth. Ensuring access t e-bks, ther e-cntent and bradband is a big cncern ging frward because it impacts the public library s ability t fulfill ne f its cre missins t prcure and share the leading ideas f the day. Access t e-cntent is cmplicated by the lack f clarity in cpyright law in the digital arena and the inapplicability f the first sale dctrine that gverns the purchase and subsequent use f physical bks. 40 A natinal digital platfrm culd help. The emergence f DPLA and mre fcus n a natinal digital library platfrm can have significant and psitive results t increase free public access t infrmatin in the Internet age. The way we address barriers t free use, cpyright, e-bk issues, etc., will have great impact n ur capacity t supprt an educated infrmed citizenry and shape library services f the future, writes Mamie Bittner f the Institute f Museum and Library Services. Stakehlders must wrk tgether t find slutins that wrk fr cntent creatrs, publishers and the public. There are many ways in which libraries individually r cllectively can partner with publishers large and small. One ptin is t cnsider a buy-it-nw ptin, which exists n sme integrated library systems (ILS) fr managing cntent, where patrns culd buy a bk nt currently available at the library and have the ptin t dnate it back t the library when dne s that thers can get it. 36 STRATEGIES FOR SUCCESS

50 This brings revenue, helps the missin and celebrates the bk. Libraries split the revenue and it brings value t the publishers t. Such a prpsal returns the public library back t the rigins f the sharing library. Take that imperative and the library s digital public space, and this sets a cmmn set f values n which a platfrm can be built. On the bradband frnt, effrts t refrm the federal E-rate prgram, which prvides funds t libraries and schls t supprt Internet cnnectins, presents an pprtunity fr addressing this critical need. E-rate s structure shuld reflect the fact that libraries have becme the number ne surce fr public Internet access in the cuntry, particularly fr adults wh d nt have hme cmputers r lack high-speed Internet cnnectivity, says Reed Hundt, wh versaw the creatin f the E-rate prgram as chairman f the FCC frm 1993 t Internally, many libraries need massive upgrades f Wi-Fi cnnectivity t meet the burgening demand f bring-yur-wndevice cnnectivity. City library systems have many mre users per year than rural, twn r suburban libraries, and thus have different csts t cver, but all libraries need the same utcmes: high speed bradband that meets the needs f every library user and is nt dependent n ne s zip cde. 41 The clear need is fr high capacity, easily scalable bradband in every public library. Specific target speeds are subject t nging debate, as the actual needs f individual cmmunities may vary cnsiderably. Hwever, the natin s majr public library assciatins have called fr ne gigabit cnnectivity t schls and libraries, writing in supprt f advancing President Obama s gal f cnnecting ur students and their cmmunities t the ne gigabit speeds we knw are necessary fr many libraries tday and fr the remaining libraries tmrrw. 42 High capacity cnnectivity will be necessary, especially in high-use public libraries, t supprt peak platfrm uses including new learning, creative and cllabrative uses and higher bandwidth applicatins like vide. Cllabratin amng libraries, cntent creatrs, publishers, gvernment fficials/ plicy makers and cmmunity leaders is vital t vercming these challenges. Tgether, they must address questins surrunding the library s rle in (a) nurturing and sustaining vibrant cultural ecsystems, (b) learning and reading in a radically changing envirnment and (c) an evlving cntent ecsystem. RISING TO THE CHALLENGE 37

51 CHATTANOOGA PUBLIC LIBRARY AND A CITY S REVIVAL Chattanga, Tennessee is a mid-sized city that was the mst industrialized lcatin in the U.S. Suth and as result was designated the dirtiest city in America in the 1960s. Since then, building n what it sees as a histry f innvatin and a cmparatively wellfunctining civic culture, the city s public and private leadership have wrked hard t revive the city. Frm 2009 thrugh 2011, Chattanga s municipally wned electric utility built ut the first full gigabit netwrk in the U.S. The city s mayr, Rn Littlefield, Chamber f Cmmerce leaders and executives f lcal fundatins tk this as an pprtunity t redefine the image f the city as GigCity a pstindustrial ht spt. Given his backgrund as an urban planner and ecnmic develpment directr, Mayr Littlefield emphasized entrepreneurship and the knwledge ecnmy, built n the fundatin f the gigabit netwrk. As this was ging n, the Mayr realized that the public library was nt fulfilling the rle it culd in this new knwledge ecnmy. He wrked with the bard f the library and especially ne f its members, Tm Griscm, t make necessary changes. Griscm was the publisher and executive editr f the Chattanga Times Free Press until He saw the dramatic changes that technlgy and the Internet had wrught n his industry and was determined that the public library wuld flurish in the face f the challenges the digital age psed t its rle in the cmmunity. Littlefield and Griscm had a series f library bard meetings fcused n the future f libraries and the city. One result f thse discussins was the appintment f Crinne Hill as head f the library in Hill and her team began t cnvert this ld institutin int a GigLibrary. What had been a prly used space in the main library, its furth flr, was cnverted int a lcatin fr entrepreneurs, innvatrs, techies and ther creative members f the cmmunity t share ideas and build businesses. In 2013, the library hsted an event n 3D printing and ther technlgies that attracted mre than 1,200 peple. The furth flr then became a gig-pwered maker space. The city s GigTank Dem day was als streamed live frm the furth flr and included the wrk f digital artists wh used the library as their creative studi. These effrts have made the library essential t the future mvers and shakers f 21st century Chattanga, wh previusly hadn t thught f the library as an institutin that was even relevant t them. NORMAN JACKNIS 38 STRATEGIES FOR SUCCESS

52 ENSURING LONG-TERM SUSTAINABILITY FOR PUBLIC LIBRARIES Perhaps the greatest challenge facing public libraries tday is t transfrm their service mdel t meet the demands f the knwledge sciety while securing a sustainable funding base fr the future. 43 With limited and smetimes vlatile funding, hwever, such transfrmatins will be uneven and incmplete. In additin, the highly lcal nature f public library funding and gvernance structures may interfere with bth rapid and brad scale prgress the kind f scale needed t cmpete and thrive in a wrld f glbal netwrks. Challenges that shape the discussin abut lng-term public library sustainability, given their vital rle in the digital era, include: Identifying reliable surces f revenue fr daily peratins as well as lng-term planning and investment Explring alternative gvernance structures and business mdels that maximize efficient and sustainable library peratins and custmer service Becming mre skilled at measuring utcmes rather than cunting activities FUNDING. Public libraries have lng relied n lcal funding surces. Accrding t a recent IMLS public library survey, nearly 85 percent f all public library perating revenue cmes frm lcal surces, including general revenue funds, dedicated prperty taxes, vter-apprved taxes and a prtin f sales taxes. Natinally, libraries receive abut 7.5 percent f their annual revenue frm states and nly ne-half f ne percent frm the federal gvernment. Other surces accunted fr just ver 7 percent. 44 In sme cases, ntably in small cities and rural areas, libraries struggle t keep up because f extremely limited and unpredictable funding. A lt f elected fficials wh make decisins n funding haven t been in a library in years. There is a need t get these fficials in the [library] building t understand hw libraries functin nw. Getting peple invested will educate them and pen their eyes t the imprtance f libraries, says Amy Paul, crprate vice president f Management Partners, a cnsulting firm that wrks with lcal gvernments t imprve their peratins. Balancing the lcal and natinal library value prpsitin t cnsider ecnmies f scale in a netwrked wrld withut cmprmising lcal cntrl RISING TO THE CHALLENGE 39

53 THE SPECIAL CASE OF RURAL AND SMALL COMMUNITIES The challenge f sustainable funding is particularly acute in libraries serving small and rural cmmunities. The needs are great, particularly fr bradband access, and the financial and human resurces in libraries are ften limited. Service areas in rural cmmunities are ften widely dispersed, making the need fr digital cnnectins even mre valuable t bring the library directly t peple in their hmes. Librarian skills and training can vary widely as well. Rural cmmunities can lk t their lcal libraries as partners fr creating self-sustaining, lngterm cmmunity and ecnmic develpment, especially with the library s fcus n grwing human and scial capital. Strategies t supprt and engage small and rural libraries include: EXPLORING REGIONAL MODELS t create ecnmies f scale MAXIMIZING GRANT OPPORTUNITIES frm fundatins and funders t meet prgram and service needs that are specific t the rural and small library cntext CREATING CONNECTIONS amng librarians t share mdels, lessns learned and resurces BECOMING PART OF LARGER LIBRARY PLATFORMS that prvide access t larger bdies f cntent Sustainable funding means mre than an annual perating budget t carry ut the library s missin and deliver services annually. It als means prviding a fundatin fr the lng-term planning needed t cntinue t ffer leading-edge learning pprtunities, develp and maintain expertise, keep pace with changes in the knwledge and creative ecnmies and invest in the future. Library funding shuld be cmmensurate with the essential nature f the services prvided by the public library as a vitally imprtant civic and educatinal institutin. Further cmplicating the library funding situatin is the increase in gvernment mandates that have affected expectatins f public libraries in supprting e-gvernment services. There has been a nticeable shift in what this requires f libraries mving frm simply prviding gvernment frms t prviding cmputers and training t access and navigate. Very ften, libraries must deliver services t meet these grwing demands withut any additinal funding t cver the csts. 45 Withut additinal funding t supprt the new requests fr services, the library s staff and resurces will be stretched t thin. 40 STRATEGIES FOR SUCCESS

54 Mving tward financial sustainability requires a willingness t explre new avenues fr funding, including pening up discussins abut endwing public libraries in ways similar t ther educatinal and cultural institutins. Libraries themselves must lk at alternatives t traditinal funding mdels, such as revenue r resurce sharing, which require new r different skills that sme libraries currently d nt have. GOVERNANCE STRUCTURES. Clsely related t funding are library rganizatin and gvernance structures. Library gvernance structures vary widely. Fr example, sme libraries are part f a cunty r municipal gvernment, thers functin as a special district r perate under jint pwers authrity agreements amng participating jurisdictins. A few libraries are 501(c)3 nnprfit rganizatins. 46 A cmprehensive, up-t-date mapping f library gvernance and funding mdels is needed as a starting pint fr a natinal discussin abut lng-term public library sustainability. That cnversatin culd examine what the mst effective mdels are fr lng-term sustainability and advcate fr thse mdels. Fr example, Pam Sandlian-Smith, CEO f Anythink Libraries in Clrad, cmmented n the transitin f her library system frm cunty funding t a special taxing district mdel: Special taxing districts are effective fr lnger-term planning and transfrmatin. They prvide certainty and are less pen t plitical changes. BUSINESS MODELS. Even if public libraries had all the mney in the wrld, they wuld still need t change the way they d business in the digital era. This includes develping new rganizatinal and business mdels and cnsidering new framewrks fr funding. New business mdels shuld be based n the library s intellectual, space and data assets its peple, place and platfrm assets. There are tw sides t a business mdel: cst savings and new revenue surces, r prfit centers. While gvernment shuld cntinue t be the primary funder f public libraries, there is rm fr libraries t explre new revenue streams, new partnerships that can yield new revenues and a mdern business plan. Suggestins fr new thinking include utcme-based funding mdels and libraries frmed arund enterprises. MEASURING OUTCOMES. Fr a lng time, the impact f the public library has been measured by what the library culd cunt patrns wh walked thrugh the drs, bks and ther materials checked ut, the number f peple in seats at training classes r ther prgrams. But the measurements that matter mst t gvernment fficials, fundatins, dnrs, and cmmunity stakehlders are utcmes that reprt hw the library is helping t achieve cmmunity gals and bjectives. This will require libraries t think differently abut data and t assess, n a brad scale, the utcmes they achieve and the impact they make n the lives f individuals and the cmmunity. 47 RISING TO THE CHALLENGE 41

55 BALANCING LOCAL, STATE AND NATIONAL INTERESTS. In a netwrked wrld, libraries must becme mre skilled at balancing lcal interests with a natinal value prpsitin based arund the library as platfrm that, in sme cases, culd lead t cnslidated peratins. Finding the places where there is statewide, reginal r natinal interest, scpe and scale can increase library efficiency and impact. Fr example, IMLS has develped a natinal value prpsitin arund the areas that it has funded including early learning, lifelng learning, citizenship, public health and jbs that taps federal resurces fr use at the lcal level. At the state level, state funding can alleviate financial and ther pressures that can allw the lcal library extra breathing rm t fcus n redesign and transfrmatin. Fr lcal libraries the questin is hw d they differentiate lcally, priritize and align the library s services with the needs f the cmmunity. NEW YORK AND BROOKLYN PUBLIC LIBRARIES, NY: BkOps: SHARED LIBRARY TECHNICAL SERVICES T meet the challenges f a cmbined $57 millin decrease in city funding between 2008 and 2013, and a 19 percent decrease in staffing, The New Yrk Public Library and Brklyn Public Library are cnslidating their bk buying and cllectin management activities int a shared central lcatin. When fully implemented, BkOps will cmbine acquisitins, catalguing, prcessing, srting and delivery f bks and resurces t the libraries in each system and will save the tw library systems up t $3.5 millin annually. The cllabrative effrt prvides a strng fundatin fr future citywide strategies t create new efficiencies including universal returns, universal requests, universal library cards and expansin f the MyLibraryNYC jint venture that includes the New Yrk, Brklyn and Queens Public Libraries and the New Yrk City Department f Educatin. Urban Libraries Cuncil. Edited and reprinted with permissin. Urban Libraries Cuncil, 2013 Tp Innvatrs 42 STRATEGIES FOR SUCCESS

56 The library in the digital age is mving frm the warehuse f materials t a participatry learning rganizatin. PAM SANDLIAN SMITH PARTNERSHIPS AND COLLABORATION. Libraries and their cmmunities increasingly need t wrk tgether t pineer new mdels f cllabratin and decisin making. They must embrace a new level f interdependence and align gals. This includes cllabratin amng libraries and partnerships with ther stakehlders in gvernment, cmmunity service, fundatins, the private sectr and members f the public. As library cllectins shift t include mre e-cntent drawn frm different surces in the cmmunity r natinally, cllabratins will make even mre sense. This culd have a cnsiderable impact n funding and sustainability, especially if partnerships leverage cntent that is then nt subject t duplicative purchases. Libraries can build n experience with prir cllabratins and cnsrtia. CULTIVATING LEADERSHIP Leadership is needed at the lcal, state and natinal levels frm elected fficials, gvernment administrative and plitical staff, business and civic leaders, and libraries themselves t build cmmunities and public libraries that thrive and succeed tgether. Visin is a critical cmpnent f leadership, and every cmmunity needs a visin and a strategic plan that includes a blueprint fr hw t wrk with the public library t directly align the library and its wrk with the cmmunity s educatinal, ecnmic and ther key gals. It must have input frm all stakehlder grups in the cmmunity. Key steps in building cmmunity leadership t supprt the public library include imprving cmmunicatins with cmmunity leaders, develping cmmunity champins, strengthening intersectins with diverse cmmunities and cmmunities f clr, reaching ut and engaging with yungprfessinal rganizatins and demnstrating the cllective impact f partners wrking tgether. Librarians in many places are recgnized as cmmunity leaders, but their experience has been in fielding prblems as they walk in the dr, nt in ging ut int their cmmunities trying t identify r slve cmmunity needs. That will nt wrk anymre. We can t just be prviding space, says Jhn Szab, directr f the Ls Angeles Public Library. We are a learning institutin, nt just an access institutin. RISING TO THE CHALLENGE 43

57 If yu want t reach ut and help new Americans and citizenship in yur city, there are lts f rganizatins wh want t d the wrk, but libraries becme the cnnectr between the CBO and citizens. MAYOR KARL DEAN Librarians must g beynd the walls f the library and int the cmmunity, t engage different stakehlders grups and explre hw t prvide library services that are untethered frm the library building itself. It is imprtant t identify and cultivate champins in the private sectr, especially thse that can leverage philanthrpic actin t supprt the library and help t shwcase the library as a cmmunity asset. Cmmunicatin is anther key cmpnent f leadership. Despite the enrmus public cnfidence libraries enjy, they are ften nt included in strategic cnversatins with civic leaders. The prblem, says Susan Bentn, president f the Urban Libraries Cuncil, is that civic engagement is s rganic t what librarians d that they dn t think t explain it. The prfund effect that libraries are having n individuals and cmmunities thrughut sciety is nt a stry that is being tld. Cmmunicatin as a means t drive patrnage is nt enugh. Library bards, trustees, fundatins and friends grups can be called n t supprt the re-envisined library and activate their cnstituents when library budgets are n the chpping blck. Library champins are especially needed at the state and natinal levels. Having champins in the business, gvernment and nnprfit cmmunities can pen new pprtunities fr libraries as they increase their cmmunity impact. Thse wh dnate mney, equipment, technical expertise and ther resurces t public libraries ught t take a mre visible rle in cmmunicating the value f engagement with the library and the benefits that accrue t the entire cmmunity. And these stakehlders are vital fr frming a culture f entrepreneurship and innvatin that can thrive with the help f the public library. The changing demgraphics in the United States shw the rising clut f cmmunities f clr. In sme lcatins, public libraries have nt been as effective as they culd be in engaging and reaching ut t minrity cmmunities. 48 T deal with this challenge, libraries increasingly are ging ut int the neighbrhds they serve t understand and address the unique needs and cncerns f every cnstituency. Library staffs and bards need t reflect the cmmunities that they serve. Empwering all members f the cmmunity is als a functin f leadership. 44 STRATEGIES FOR SUCCESS

58 Partnerships allw cmmunities t leverage many f the resurces in the cmmunity fr greater impact and benefit. The library ften plays a key rle as a cnnectr in frming relatinships acrss the cmmunity. Systemic rather than ad-hc partnerships are imprtant fr nurturing and grwing relatinships and fr building netwrk cnnectins. Partnerships that start frm the center f the library system and reach ut t as many neighbrhds, cmmunities, and branches as pssible are als particularly desirable and prductive. Fr example, Nashville, Tennessee, is hme t a diverse set f ethnic cmmunities, including Kurdish, Smalian and Latin ppulatins. When the city wanted t cnnect with these new ppulatins t encurage lcal invlvement and citizenship, public libraries became the cnnectrs between the cmmunity-based rganizatins (CBOs) and these new residents. If yu want t reach ut and help new Americans and citizenship in yur city, there are lts f rganizatins wh want t d the wrk, but libraries becme the cnnectrs between the CBO and citizens, Nashville Mayr Karl Dean tld the Dialgue. As the breadth f the library s rle and impact in the cmmunity cntinues t evlve, leadership and prfessinal develpment will be crucial t cntinued success in the digital era. Library leaders will need t design transfrmative change and becme experts in their cmmunities. They will als need t invest in develping their staff in ways that may be very different frm what they learned in schl r have dne in the past. Libraries will need fewer staff t put bks n shelves and a lt mre staff t be educatrs. Library training and prfessinal prgrams will have t change. Peple with new and diverse skills will be hired. RISING TO THE CHALLENGE 45

59 CULTIVATING LEADERSHIP: COMMUNITY IMPACT THROUGH RENEWED ENGAGEMENT The San Francisc Public Library initiated a cmprehensive team-driven research prcess t renew and refresh cmmunity cnnectins in five city neighbrhds. The prcess cmbined the library s awardwinning GenPL emerging leaders prgram with its cmmitment t frging deep and sustained cmmunity impact. The emerging leaders, wh cme frm all parts f the library system (pages, librarians, paraprfessinals, security staff, custdians), brught brad thinking and new perspectives t the effrt. Frm walks in the neighbrhds, t ride-alngs with plice, t interviews with cmmunity members, the teams spent three mnths gathering data and then presented their findings t cmmunity members and library staff in their assigned service area. The recmmendatins, sme f which are already in prgress, ranged frm branchspecific mdificatins t system-wide changes including: A new Cmmunity Prgrams and Partnerships divisin that cmbines yuth service and cmmunity engagement A branding prject t tie each branch t neighbrhd identities Enhanced service prmtin with cmmunity agencies such as GED and English as a Secnd Language prviders and lcal farmers markets Multi-lingual library rientatin prgrams and a multi-lingual, real-time reference service Expanded ff-site services including a technlgy bkmbile, pp-up libraries and classes in cmmunity agencies Urban Libraries Cuncil. Edited and reprinted with permissin. Urban Libraries Cuncil, 2013 Tp Innvatrs 46 STRATEGIES FOR SUCCESS

60 Key leadership challenges fr the library prfessin in general and individual library directrs include: TAKING ADVANTAGE OF DIGITAL TOOLS t share resurces, create new channels fr infrmatin abut what wrks and diffuse innvatin mre rapidly and effectively GIVING GREATER THOUGHT AND ATTENTION TO SUCCESSION PLANNING t develp bench strength and fcus n the skills that will be needed fr the library f the future BUILDING THE CAPACITY OF THE LIBRARY FIELD t develp new business mdels and experiment, which may include lking utside the United States t library innvatrs arund the wrld INCLUDING TRUSTEES AND FRIENDS GROUPS in leadership develpment activities as part f a brader effrt t engage and create library champins and advcates at every level BUILDING CAPACITY t meet the evlving demands and needs f new educatinal mdels and pprtunities DEVELOPING PLANS AND STRATEGIES fr keeping pace with disruptive changes in the envirnment and establishing multiple channels fr sharing infrmatin widely abut changes, successes, pprtunities and leadership needs RISING TO THE CHALLENGE 47

61 CONCLUSION AND A CALL TO ACTION Visins are by nature aspiratinal, as are public libraries. Libraries reflect the cmmunity at its best engaged, striving, participating, achieving, discvering, creating and innvating. The pwer t re-envisin public libraries is the pwer t re-envisin ur cmmunities fr success in the digital era. Re-envisining the public library fr every cmmunity will require a unity f purpse and actin by stakehlders at all levels. Everyne has a stake in building healthy and engaged cmmunities; every stakehlder is a library stakehlder. Acting n the framewrk presented in this reprt starts with a shared recgnitin f the vital rle public libraries are playing, will play and can play in the digital arena and a cmmitment t take advantage f the pssibilities. T get started, public libraries, library directrs, library staff and their supprters must frge new partnerships and cllabratins in the cmmunity and align their wrk with the cmmunity s gals. But libraries and their supprters are nly ne part f the equatin. Re-envisining the public library is a brad effrt that requires the cmmunity and its elected leaders t recgnize their stewardship f this valuable public asset. Accrdingly, gvernment and ther leaders are called upn t supprt the transfrmatin f public libraries by heeding the call t actin and advancing the actins steps recmmended in this reprt. Leadership at the lcal level is crucial, as public libraries are a quintessentially lcal institutin f demcratic sciety. Hwever, if we are t realize the visin f a natinal digital platfrm and netwrks f knwledge, innvatin and creativity spanning the cuntry, then state and natinal leadership and investment will be essential t crdinating and sustaining such an enterprise. Library, gvernment and civic leaders will have t adpt new thinking abut the public library if we are t achieve a natin f infrmed, engaged cmmunities. This thinking rests n understanding what makes the library uniquely valuable t the cmmunities beginning with its peple, place and platfrm assets upn which the cmmunity can build a successful future tgether. It als rests n the uniquely public value prpsitin grunded in the principles f equity, access, pprtunity, penness and participatin. These are als values at the heart f American demcracy. While the visin speaks t the rle f the public library and its relatinship t the public, it is essentially a visin fr the quality f the demcratic cmmunities that we want t nurish and sustain in the 21st century. Libraries are essential partners with gvernment, business and nnprfit cmmunity partners in achieving ur natinal aspiratins. All stakehlders shuld ask themselves, what can I d t help cnnect the cmmunity t the 21st-century knwledge sciety? and then g t the public library t learn the answer. 48 CONCLUSION AND A CALL TO ACTION

62 GETTING STARTED: 15 STEPS FOR LIBRARY LEADERS, POLICYMAKERS AND THE COMMUNITY T advance prgress tward the visin, and with these fur strategic pprtunities in mind, the Dialgue ffers a series f actin steps fr getting started. There are 15 actin steps addressed t each stakehlder grup: library leaders, plicymakers and the cmmunity. These are nt intended t be cmprehensive lists, and the steps are nt rganized in any sequential rder. Rather, they are recmmendatins fr actins that have surfaced thrughut the Dialgue s deliberatins and cnsultatins and ffer a starting pint fr change. They are necessarily general, as the unique peple, needs, resurces, envirnments and character f each cmmunity will have t guide specific cmmunity gals and actin plans. This reprt itself is ffered as a beginning nt an end t a brader natinal dialgue n the future f the public library. RISING TO THE CHALLENGE 49

63 15 Actin Steps fr LIBRARY LEADERS Define the scpe f the library s prgrams, services and fferings arund cmmunity pririties, recgnizing that this prcess may lead t chices and trade-ffs. Cllabrate with gvernment agencies at the lcal, state and federal levels arund shared bjectives. This includes partnerships with schls t drive learning and educatinal pprtunities thrughut the cmmunity. Partner with lcal businesses, chambers f cmmerce and cmmunity clleges t prvide access t curricula and resurces, t technlgy and certificatin prgrams and t jb search resurces t maintain a highly skilled yet highly flexible wrkfrce. Engage the cmmunity in planning and decisin making, and seek a seat at tables where imprtant plicy issues are discussed and decisins made. Cnnect resurces frm ther agencies r libraries t the library platfrm rather than reinventing the wheel r always ging sl. Develp partnerships and cllabratins with ther libraries and knwledge netwrks that can cntribute t efficiencies, using the pprtunities prvided by digital technlgies. Supprt the cncept f a natinal digital platfrm t share cllectins natinally while cntinuing t maintain a lcal presence and fcus; participate in cntent-sharing netwrks and platfrms Deply existing resurces in new ways. Cllabrate in negtiatins with publishers n reasnably priced and easily accessible access t e-cntent and develp win-win slutins like buy-it-nw ptins. Prvide mbile devices fr in-library, in-cmmunity and at-hme use. Measure library utcmes and impacts t better demnstrate the library s value t the cmmunity and cmmunicate these utcmes t key partners and plicy makers. Cmmunicate the library s stry f impact directly t the public, partners, stakehlders and plicy makers. Include the new visin built n the library s peple, place and platfrm assets. Develp a richer nline library experience and strnger cmpetencies in using digital and scial media t demnstrate the library s rle in the digital transfrmatin. Change lng-held rules and perating prcedures that impede the develpment f the library s spaces and platfrm. Take practive and sustained steps t brand the library as a platfrm fr cmmunity learning and develpment. 50 APPENDIX 50 CONCLUSION AND A CALL TO ACTION

64 15 Actin Steps fr POLICY MAKERS Use the authrity f ffice t bring tgether cmmunity stakehlders t create a cmprehensive strategic plan fr the library and ther knwledge institutins in the cmmunity. Define libraries as part f the cmmunity s pririty infrastructure alng with ther established infrastructure pririties such as schls, transprtatin and parks, and make sustainable, lng-term funding that reflects the library s value t the cmmunity a budget pririty. Develp strategic alliances and partnerships with lcal library leaders t advance educatinal, ecnmic and scial gals. 49 Leverage the ecnmic develpment ptential f the public library as a cmmunity platfrm. Make access t gvernment infrmatin a mdel fr curating pen data. Integrate librarians and state library agencies int develpment planning and plicy making in all departments and at all levels f gvernment. Reduce barriers t libraries ability t access sme funding surces in authrizing and apprpriatins legislatin. Review state-level plicies that affect the public library s ability t transfrm itself fr the future Supprt a study n funding and gvernance structures fr public libraries t identify strengths, weaknesses and pprtunities that will lead t the develpment f strnger, mre efficient public libraries. Supprt and accelerate deplyment f bradband, including high-speed, scalable bradband, t all libraries Develp lcal, state and natinal plans t address digital readiness. Prmte the deplyment f wireless htspts in libraries and ther public places, especially in ecnmically disadvantaged and minrity cmmunities where there are fewer Wi-Fi htspts, t access the library s platfrm anytime, anywhere. Supprt rural and small libraries t ensure that all residents have access t wrld-class resurces regardless f where they live. Prmte and invest in the infrastructure fr a natinal digital platfrm that is scalable, flexible and serves diverse needs and new uses. Be an infrmed champin fr the library and what it ffers in the cmmunity. RISING TO THE CHALLENGE 51

65 15 Actin Steps fr COMMUNITY Private Sectr, Cmmunity Partners, the Public 1. Cllabrate n the develpment f a cmprehensive strategic plan fr the cmmunity s infrmatin and knwledge ecsystem, including the library and ther knwledge institutins in the cmmunity. 2. Develp strategic partnerships and alliances with public libraries arund cntent r specific rganizatinal r cmmunity needs Bring diverse expertise t bear n helping libraries create and share technlgy tls. Cnnect knwledge resurces in the cmmunity t the library s knwledge netwrks. Participate in the library s platfrm fr curating lcal histry and culture. Leverage the ecnmic develpment ptential f the public library as a cmmunity platfrm. Bring resurces, including financial resurces and technical expertise, t partner with libraries where bjectives align well. Vlunteer rganizatinal and technical expertise t mentr and supprt learning that takes place in library spaces and n its platfrm, including in innvatin labs (especially thse aimed at yuth), maker and hacker spaces and resurce-rich cwrking spaces Structure grant pprtunities in ways that small and rural libraries can take advantage f them; fr example, nt always emphasizing cutting-edge technlgy. Leverage fundatin r crprate dnatins t public libraries thrugh the creatin f a public-private trust fr libraries.50 Supprt the deplyment f bradband, Wi-Fi and digital literacy skills thrughut the cmmunity, especially t ecnmically disadvantaged, underserved and ther special needs ppulatins. Advcate n behalf f the lng-term sustainability f public libraries. Cllabrate with libraries in areas f mutual interest. 14. Explre the library s peple, place and platfrm assets. 15. Supprt effrts t re-envisin and rebrand the library as a vital cmmunity institutin in the digital era. 52 CONCLUSION AND A CALL TO ACTION

66 Ntes and References 1 In 1949, the cmputing pineer Claude Shannn estimated that the largest stre f infrmatin in the wrld, the cllected hldings f the Library f Cngress, cntained 100 trillin bits f infrmatin. Tday, as the physicist Freeman Dysn ntes, individuals can fit that amunt f infrmatin n a hard drive that weighs a few punds and csts less than $1,000. And, he might have added, individuals can als gain access t this amunt f infrmatin with a click f a muse r the tuch f a finger while surfing the Web. The digital revlutin thus has made it pssible t put the equivalent f all human knwledge int virtually every hme. 2 U.S. Department f Labr, Bureau f Labr Statistics, Median Years f Tenure with Current Emplyer fr Emplyed Wage and Salary Wrkers by Age and Sex, Selected Years, , September 18, 2012, release/tenure.t01.htm. 3 Thmas L. Friedman, It s a 401(k) Wrld, New Yrk Times, April 30, 2013, cm/2013/05/01/pinin/friedman-its-a-401kwrld.html?_r=1&. 4 Nathan Gardels, Tm Friedman: The 401k Sciety, The WrldPst, Huffingtn Pst, January 28, 2104, cm/2014/01/27/tm-friedman-401ksciety_n_ html. 5 Ibid. 6 S. Craig Watkins, a University f Texas researcher and expert n the use f digital media amng yung peple, especially African American and Hispanic teens, has written abut the participatin gap in sciety and the limitatins f the benefits f high-speed bradband in cmmunities where ppulatins f residents lcated in the scial, financial, gegraphical and educatinal margins lack sufficient scial capital and scial cnnectivity. On his website, The Yung and the Digital, Watkins writes: Imprtantly, the vast majrity f U.S. wrkers will never be emplyed in the high skill, high incme jbs that are driving ur creative and knwledge ecnmy. Accrding t Mnretti, abut 10 percent f all f the jbs in the U.S. belng t the innvatin sectr. He adds that even during its peak, the manufacturing sectr in the U.S. never emplyed mre than 30 percent f the U.S. labr frce. And while innvatin hubs are ecnmic grwth engines, it is what Mnretti calls the multiplier effect that makes them particularly interesting. Fr every high tech jb that is created in an innvatin hub anther five service-riented jbs are added. These jbs may range frm skilled ccupatins (lawyers, teachers) t unskilled ccupatins (hairdressers, waiters). S. Craig Watkins, Prly Educated and Prly Cnnected: The Hidden Realities f Innvatin Hubs, The Yung and the Digital, May 24, 2013, cm/2013/05/24/prly-educated-and-prlycnnected-the-hidden-realities-f-innvatinhubs/. 7 These cmpetencies are cmmnly referred t as digital literacies. 8 The cncept f the entrepreneurial learner was intrduced by Jhn Seely Brwn, cchair f the Delitte Center fr the Edge. See Jhn Seely Brwn, Re-Imagining Learning fr a Wrld f Cnstant Change: The 21st Century Entrepreneurial Learner. Presentatin t first wrking grup meeting f Dialgue n Public Libraries, Aspen Institute, August 4, 2013, files/cntent/uplad/jsb%20libraries%20 Presentatin.pdf. 9 U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. Census Bureau Prjectins Shw a Slwer Grwing, Older, Mre Diverse Natin a Half Century frm Nw, news release, December 12, 2012, ppulatin/cb html. 10 Knight Cmmissin n the Infrmatin Needs f Cmmunities in a Demcracy, Infrming Cmmunities: Sustaining Demcracy in the Digital Age, (Washingtn, DC, The Aspen Institute, Octber 2000), 1. RISING TO THE CHALLENGE 53

67 11 See fr example, Dn E. Eberly, The Meaning, Origins and Applicatins f Civil Sciety, in The Essential Civil Sciety Reader: The Classic Essays, ed. Dn E. Eberly, (New Yrk: Rwman & Littlefield, 2000); see als Jhn Keane, Civil Sciety: Old Images, New Visin, (Stanfrd, CA: Stanfrd University Press, 1998). 12 Urban Libraries Cuncil, 2013 Tp Innvatrs, news release, June 29, 2013, urbanlibraries.rg/ulc-awards-tp-innvatrsnews-72.php. 13 Investing in Civic Engagement and Public Libraries: A Rundtable Discussin with Paula Ellis, Debrah Jacbs, and Julia Stasch, Special issue, Natinal Civic Review, 101, n. 4 (2012): Internatinal Data Crpratin, The 2011 Digital Universe Study: Extracting Value frm Chas, Executive summary, 2011, leadership/prgrams/digital-universe.htm. 15 Internatinal Federatin f Library Assciatins, Riding the Waves r Caught in the Tide? Navigating the Evlving Infrmatin Envirnment, Trend Reprt, 2013, ifla.rg/files/trends/assets/insights-frm-theifla-trend-reprt_v3.pdf. 16 In January 2013, the Center fr an Urban Future released Branches f Opprtunity, a reprt n hw New Yrk City s public libraries have becme a critical part f the city s human capital system. This reprt prvides an excellent verview f hw public libraries serve the distinct needs f specific demgraphic grups and cmmunities f interest. Center fr an Urban Future, Branches f Opprtunity, January 2013, rg/images_pdfs/pdfs/branchesfopprtunity. pdf. 17 Katherine Lflin, Learning frm Knight s Sul f the Cmmunity, Leaning Tward the Future f Placemaking, Prject fr Public Spaces, April 11, 2013, 18 Kathryn Zickuhr, Lee Rainie, Kristen Purcell and Maeve Duggan, Hw Americans Value Public Libraries in Their Cmmunities, Pew Research Center, December 11, 2013, pewinternet.rg/2013/12/11/libraries-incmmunities/. 19 Kathryn Zickuhr, Kristen Purcell And Lee Rainie, Frm Distant Admirers t Library Lvers and beynd, Pew Research Internet Prject, March 13, 2014, rg/2014/03/13/library-engagementtyplgy/. 20 One widely praised visin f the physical library f the future was published in a paper by Denmark s Ryal Schl f Library and Infrmatin Science. This Danish mdel has fur distinct but verlapping spaces : an inspiratin space, a learning space, a meeting space and a perfrming space. Each f these embraces a different eths: aesthetic experiences; access t infrmatin and knwledge; face-t-face encunters with thers, bth accidental and purpseful; creatin encuraged by access t and instructin in the use f technlgical tls; and the ability t publish r distribute creative wrk. These spaces are nt necessarily physically discrete but shuld tgether supprt the library s bjectives in the knwledge and experience sciety by incrprating them in the library s architecture, design, services, prgrams and chice f partnerships. Henrik Jchumsen, Casper Hvenegaard Rasmussen and Drte Skt-Hansen, A New Mdel fr the Public Library in the Knwledge and Experience Sciety, Centre fr Cultural Plicy Studies, Ryal Schl f Library and Infrmatin Science, kulturstyrelsen.dk/fileadmin/user_uplad/ dkumenter/biblitek/indsatsmraader/ Udvalg_m_Flkebiblitekernes_rlle_i_ videnssamfundet/a_new_mdel_fr_the_ public_library.pdf. 21 Peter Gislfi, UpClse: Designing 21st- Century Libraries Library by Design, Library Jurnal, June 16, 2014, cm/2014/06/buildings/lbd/upclse-designing- 21st-century-libraries-library-by-design/. 54 NOTES AND REFERENCES

68 22 Kathryn Zickuhr, Kristen Purcell and Lee Rainie, Frm Distant Admirers t Library Lvers and Beynd, Pew Research Center, March 13, 2014, library-engagement-typlgy/. 23 University f Maryland Infrmatin Plicy and Access Center, Public Libraries & Digital Inclusin Issue Brief, umd.edu/sites/default/files/publicatins/ DigitalInclusinIssueBrief2014.pdf. 24 Jhn Hrrigan, The Essentials f Cnnectivity, March 2014, images/final_ie_research_full_paper.pdf. 25 Chicag Public Library, Mayr Emanuel Annunces Chicag Public Library Awarded Grant fr Wi-Fi Htspt Lending, news release, June 23, 2014, news/mayr-emanuel-annunces-chicagpublic-library-awarded-grant-fr-wi-fi-htsptlending/. 26 The Public Library Reimagined, Aspen Ideas Festival, June 29, 2014, cm/. 27 The term platfrm can have many meanings and assciatins. Here, we build frm Marc Andreesen s definitin f a platfrm in the technical realm: A platfrm is a system that can be prgrammed and therefre custmized by utside develpers users and in that way, adapted t cuntless needs and niches that the platfrm s riginal develpers culd nt have pssibly cntemplated, much less had time t accmmdate. (See three_kinds_f_platfrms_yu_meet_n_the_ internet.html fr an archived cpy f Andreesen s riginal blg pst frm September 16, 2007.) In the cntext f the cmmunity, the salient aspect f the public library as platfrm is the ability f library users t custmize the use f library tls and resurces in unfreseen ways and the flexibility f the library as platfrm t accmmdate and even embrace such new uses and enable library users t becme creatrs and cntributrs t the bdy f knwledge made available by the library and its netwrks. The cncept f a library as platfrm can be thught f in the cntext f the transfrmatins f Facebk, Ggle and Amazn frm prviding services t ffering platfrms that users and app develpers can build upn t create, share and achieve scale in the cmmunity. See, Andy Havens, Frm Cmmunity t Technlgy and Back Again, Next Space, January 15, 2013, US/publicatins/nextspace/articles/issue20/ frmcmmunityttechnlgyandbackagain.html. 28 David Weinberger, Library as Platfrm, Library Jurnal, September 4, 2012, lj.libraryjurnal.cm/2012/09/future-flibraries/by-david-weinberger/. 29 One f the essential features f the public library s character its unique accessibility is als ne f its weaknesses: with limited resurces, its cmmunities pull it in multiple directins, but increasingly tward a deficit mdel in which its rle is mre scial safety net than scial change agent. The library f the future cannt think f itself primarily as a remedial institutin that exists t fill scial deficits in educatin, in access t infrmatin in any frm, in demcracy, in literacy. Instead the public library must becme a sharing institutin that grws scial capital by curating and sharing all the infrmatin t which it has access, including surces f infrmatin that lie in its wn cmmunity. It is impssible t imagine the sharing library nt als filling deficits, even if it des it in new ways. The Dialgue believes that amng the library s traditinal cre missins will always be t prmte reading and literacy amng bth children and adults; t ffer access t infrmatin at lw cst, r t the user free ; and t anchr cmmunities. David Lankes, prfessr and Dean s Schlar f the New Librarianship at Syracuse University, and ne f the United States mst visinary thinkers n the nature f libraries and their relatinships with cmmunities, names and addresses the deficit mdel debate very well n his blg. See, R. David Lankes, Beynd the Bullet Pints: Libraries Are Obslete, Virtual Dave Real Blg (blg), April 12, 2012, blg/?p=1567. RISING TO THE CHALLENGE 55

69 30 Digital Public Library f America, Abut DPLA, 31 Gv. Mally Signs Bill Creating State-Wide Electrnic Bk Delivery System, new release, June 3, 2014, mally/cwp/view.asp?a=4010&q= University f Maryland Infrmatin Plicy and Access Center (ipac), Cmmunity Access Issue Brief, default/files/cmmunityaccessissuebrief2014. pdf. 33 Paula Ellis, Debrah Jacbs and Julia Stasch, Beynd Bks: Why Yu Shuld Check Out Yur Public Library, Chicag Pst-Tribune, April 6, 2012, pinins/ /beynd-bks-whyyu-shuld-check-ut-yur-public-library.html. 34 Librarians reprt that ne f the busiest times fr technlgy and skills training is in the psthliday perid when peple are pening new devices like e-readers and tablets fr the first time and puzzling ver hw t use them. Because it is trusted and welcming, the public library has becme the g-t place fr getting up t speed n the latest technlgies fr a wide range f peple. 35 See Kathryn Zickuhr and Aarn Smith, Hme Bradband 2013, Pew Research Center Internet and American Life Prject, August 26, 2013, Files/Reprts/2013/PIP_Bradband% _ pdf. 36 Ibid. 37 Samantha Becker, Michael D. Crandall, Karen E. Fisher, B Kinney,Carl Landry and Anita Rcha, Opprtunity fr All: Hw the American Public Benefits frm Internet Access at U.S. Libraries, (Washingtn, DC: Institute f Museum and Library Services, 2010), ischl.washingtn.edu/dcuments/opp4all_ FinalReprt.pdf. 38 See, fr example, Jane Levere, Reaching Thse n the Wrng Side f the Digital Divide, New Yrk Times, March 20, 2013, html?_r=0; see als Rn Barnett, Rise f Internet Learning Creates Digital Divide, USA Tday, February 18, 2013, cm/stry/news/natin/2013/02/16/internetlearning-creates-digital-divide/ /. 39 Nina Simn, The Participatry Museum, Santa Cruz, CA: Museum, Fr a cmprehensive review f the latest develpments in e-bks, cpyright and the evlutin f e-cntent licensing regimes, see American Library Assciatin, State f America s Libraries Reprt 2014, news/state-americas-libraries-reprt Fr an analysis f hw prpsed reimbursement systems t supprt library WiFi access culd differentially affect rural, twn, suburban, and city libraries, see Vind Bakthavachalam, Investigatin f Optimal Reimbursement Plicy fr Wifi Service by Public Libraries, (August 28, 2014), custimages/270000/270798/. 42 Urban Libraries Cuncil, et al. Letter t Federal Cmmunicatins Cmmissin. July 7, 2014, Jint_Library_Letter_7_7_14_FINAL.pdf. 43 This challenge is nt unique t U.S. public libraries. See Vivienne Waller and Ian McShane, Analysing the challenges fr large public libraries in the Twenty-first century: A case study f the State Library f Victria in Australia, First Mnday, vlume 13, number 12, Dec. 1, Available nline at article/view/2155/ Institute f Museum and Library Services, Public Libraries in the United States Survey: Fiscal Year 2011: Supplementary Tables, imls.gv/research/public_libraries_in_the_us_ fy_2011_tables.aspx. 56 NOTES AND REFERENCES

70 45 Lauren H. Mandel, et al. Csts f and Benefits Resulting frm Public Library E-Gvernment Service Prvisin: Findings and Future Directins frm an Explratry Study. First Mnday 18 n. 12, December 2, 2013, js/index.php/fm/article/view/4805/ Fr an example f the diverse library eclgy in ne state, see Califrnia Public Library Organizatin, 2007, ca.gv/lds/dcs/capubliborgrpt.pdf. This reprt, prepared by the Califrnia State Library, demnstrates the disparities in library funding based n gvernance and funding structures. 47 Impact assessment tls like the EDGE benchmarks ( help public libraries plan the grwth and develpment f their technlgy and public access cmputing resurces and demnstrate the impact these are having in the cmmunity. Other resurces available natinally fr public libraries t imprve their data cllectin and analytics include the University f Washingtn Schl f Infrmatin s U.S. Impact Study, the Digital Inclusin Survey, a partnership amng the American Library Assciatin, the University f Maryland s Infrmatin Plicy & Access Center (ipac) and the Internatinal City/Cunty Management Assciatin (ICMA) with funding frm IMLS, and WebbMedia s Key Perfrmance Tlkit fr Libraries, key-perfrmance-indicatr-tlkit-fr-libraries. 48 The Pew Research Center s Library Engagement Typlgy n public libraries suggests that disadvantaged cmmunities, which are mre likely t be cmmunities f clr, are less engaged than better-educated, mre-affluent cmmunities. Anecdtally, reprts frm library directrs als bear witness t this challenge. See Kathryn Zickuhr, Kristen Purcell and Lee Rainie, Frm Distant Admirers t Library Lvers and Beynd: A Typlgy f Public Library Engagement in America, Pew Research Internet Prject, rg/2014/03/13/library-engagementtyplgy/. 49 The Internatinal City/Cunty Management Assciatin (ICMA) has published an excellent guide fr lcal gvernment fficials that includes nine case studies frm ICMA Public Library Innvatin grant prjects: ICMA, Maximize the Ptential f Yur Public Library, (Washingtn, DC: ICMA, 2011), icma/knwledge_netwrk/dcuments/kn/ Dcument/302161/Maximize_the_Ptential_ f_yur_public_library. 50 Fr a detailed explratin f this suggestin see Jhn Chrastka, The Future f Funding: A Prpsal fr a Natinal Library Card in Planning Our Future Libraries, ed. Kim Leeder and Eric Friersn (Chicag: ALA Editins, 2014). RISING TO THE CHALLENGE 57

71 The Dialgue n Public Libraries Wrking Grup Participants The Dialgue brught tgether a select 35-member Wrking Grup that met twice in the prject s first year t examine the evlving scietal rle f the public library, and t shape and advance a perspective that re-envisins U.S. public libraries fr the future. This reprt is built upn the cnsiderable knwledge, insights and experiences shared by these experts, practitiners and thught leaders. Affiliatins are listed as f the date f the Wrking Grup meetings. Tm Allen President & CEO Assciatin f American Publishers Akhtar Badshah Senir Directr, Micrsft Citizenship & Public Affairs Micrsft Susan Bentn President and CEO Urban Libraries Cuncil Lesley Bughtn State Librarian Wyming Public Libraries Jhn Seely Brwn Independent C-chairman Delitte Center fr the Edge Jnathan Chambers Chief Office f Strategic Planning & Plicy Analysis Federal Cmmunicatins Cmmissin Bnnie Chen Finance Chair, DC Public Libraries Bard Member, Chen and Steers Mutual Funds Dan Chen Executive Directr Digital Public Library f America Karl Dean Mayr Metrplitan Gvernment f Nashville and Davidsn Cunty Jessica Drr Deputy Directr, Glbal Libraries Prgram Bill & Melinda Gates Fundatin David Ferrier Archivist f the United States Charles M. Firestne Executive Directr Cmmunicatins and Sciety Prgram The Aspen Institute Tessie Guillerm President and CEO ZerDivide Tmeka Hart Vice President African-American Cmmunity Partnerships Teach Fr America Susan Hildreth Directr Institute f Museum and Library Services Renee Hbbs Prfessr and Funding Directr Harringtn Schl f Cmmunicatin and Media, University f Rhde Island 58 APPENDIX

72 Reed Hundt Principal REH Advisrs Nrman Jacknis President Metrplitan New Yrk Library Cuncil Debrah Jacbs Directr, Glbal Libraries Prgram Bill & Melinda Gates Fundatin Beth Jeffersn C-funder and CEO BibliCmmns Linda Jhnsn President and CEO Brklyn Public Library Jshua Kauffman Design Directr The Quantified Self Anthny Marx President and CEO New Yrk Public Library Bret Perkins Vice President, External & Gvernment Affairs Cmcast Crpratin Lee Rainie Directr Pew Research Center Internet Prject Graham Richard Chief Executive Officer Advanced Energy Ecnmy Glria Rubi-Crtés President Natinal Civic League Lisa See Authr Andrew Sliwinski C-funder and Chief Maker DIY.rg Pam Sandlian Smith Directr AnyThink Libraries Maureen Sullivan Past President American Library Assciatin Bnnie Svrcek Deputy City Manager City f Lynchburg Jhn Szab City Librarian Ls Angeles Public Library Susana Vasquez Executive Directr LISC Chicag Amy Webb CEO Webbmedia Grup DIALOGUE STAFF: Amy K. Garmer Directr, Dialgue n Public Libraries Cmmunicatins and Sciety Prgram The Aspen Institute Ian Smalley Senir Prject Manager Cmmunicatins and Sciety Prgram The Aspen Institute RISING TO THE CHALLENGE 59

73 Frmal Advisrs t the Dialgue T assist in its study and deliberatins, the Aspen Institute Dialgue cnducted utreach and engagement discussins with key library leadership grups and with lcal gvernment administrative leaders. The Dialgue is grateful t the fllwing individuals wh ffered input n ne r mre ccasins. MARCH 13, 2014 Aspen Institute Dialgue n Public Libraries at PLA 2014 Cnference Indianaplis, Indiana Carlyn Anthny, Directr, Skkie Public Library (Illinis) Brian Ashley, Directr - Libraries, Arts Cuncil England Brian Auger, Directr, Smerset Cunty Library System (New Jersey) Andrea Berstler, Executive Directr, Wicmic Public Library (Maryland) Clara Bhrer, Directr, West Blmfield Twnship Public Library (Michigan) James Cper, Library Directr, Salt Lake Cunty Library Services (Utah) Sara Dallas, Directr, Suthern Adirndack Library System (New Yrk) Karen Danczak-Lyns, Directr, Evanstn Public Library (Illinis) Mary Hastler, Directr, Harfrd Cunty Public Library (Maryland) Denise Rae Lyns, Directr f Library Develpment, Suth Carlina State Library Maura Marx, Deputy Directr fr Library Services, Institute f Museum and Library Services Sydney McCy, Branch Administratr, Frederick Cunty Public Libraries (Maryland) Andrew Medlar, Assistant Cmmissiner fr Cllectins, Chicag Public Library Gina Millsap, Chief Executive Officer, Tpeka Shawnee Cunty Public Library (Kansas) Larry Neal, Library Directr, Clintn-Macmb Public Library (Michigan) Vailey Oehlke, Directr, Multnmah Cunty Library (Oregn) Karyn Prechtel, Deputy Directr, Pima Cunty Public Library (Arizna) Bridget Quinn-Carey, Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, Queens Library (New Yrk) Jan Sanders, Directr, Pasadena Public Library (Califrnia) Rivkah Sass, Directr, Sacrament Public Library (Califrnia) Manya Shrr, Assistant Directr, Omaha Public Library (Nebraska) Greta Suthard, Directr, Bne Cunty Public Library (Kentucky) Feltn Thmas, Directr, Cleveland Public Library (Ohi) Jay Turner, Directr, Cntinuing Educatin, Gergia Public Library Service Marcia Warner, Library Directr, Grand Rapids Public Library (Michigan) 60 APPENDIX

74 APRIL 22, 2014 Aspen Institute Dialgue n Public Libraries ARSL Discussin Cnference Call Tameca Beckett, Yuth Services Librarian, Laurel Public Library (Delaware) Dnna Brice, Directr, Eastern Lancaster Cunty Library (Pennsylvania) Kieran Hixn, Technlgy Cnsultant, Clrad State Library Jet Kft, Library Cnsultant, Iwa Library Services, Nrth Central District Carla Lehn, Library Develpment Services, Califrnia State Library Carlyn Petersen, Assistant Prgram Manager, Library Develpment, Washingtn State Library Gail Sheldn, Directr, Smerset Cunty Library System (Maryland) Cal Shepard, State Librarian, State Library f Nrth Carlina Mary Stenger, Directr, Suthern Area Library (West Virginia) MAY 8, 2014 Aspen Institute Dialgue n Public Libraries Meeting with Chief Officers f State Library Agencies (COSLA) Washingtn, D.C. Stacey Aldrich, Deputy Secretary f Educatin and Cmmissiner fr Libraries, Pennsylvania Department f Educatin Tim Cherubini, Executive Directr, COSLA Sarah Chesemre, President, The Chesemre Grup, Inc. Ann Jslin, State Librarian, Idah Cmmissin fr Libraries Susan McVey, Directr, Oklahma Department f Libraries Wayne Onkst, State Librarian & Cmmissiner, Kentucky Department fr Libraries & Archives Lamar Veatch, State Librarian, Gergia Public Library Service Kendall Wiggin, State Librarian, State f Cnnecticut RISING TO THE CHALLENGE 61

75 SEPTEMBER 14, 2014 Aspen Institute Dialgue n Public Libraries at ICMA Annual Cnference Charltte, Nrth Carlina Carlyn Anthny, Directr, Skkie Public Library, Skkie, Illinis Michael Baker, Deputy Village Manager, Village f Dwners Grve, Illinis Jane Brautigam, City Manager, City f Bulder, Clrad Rn Carlee, City Manager, City f Charltte, Nrth Carlina Larra Clark, Directr, Prgram n Netwrks, and Assciate Directr, Prgram n America s Libraries fr the 21st Century, ALA Washingtn Office Chris Cudriet, Cunty Manager, Cunty f New Hanver, Wilmingtn, Nrth Carlina Dnald Crawfrd, City Manager, City f Owss, Michigan Charles Duggan Jr., City Manager, City f Auburn, Alabama Rd Guld, City Manager, City f Santa Mnica, Califrnia Bb Harrisn, City Administratr, City f Issaquah, Washingtn Susan Hildreth, Directr, Institute f Museum and Library Services Lee Keesler, Chief Executive Officer, Charltte Mecklenburg Library, Charltte, Nrth Carlina Rbert Kiely Jr., City Manager, City f Lake Frest, Illinis Dwight McInvaill, Directr, Gergetwn Cunty Library, Gergetwn, Suth Carlina Larry Neal, Library Directr, Clintn-Macmb Public Library, Clintn Twnship, Michigan Stephen Parry, Chief Executive, Gre District Cuncil, Suthland New Zealand Amy Paul, Crprate Vice President, Management Partners, Inc. Charles Penny, City Manager, City f Rcky Munt, Nrth Carlina Rbert Shalett, Directr f Cmmunicatins, Urban Libraries Cuncil Cal Shepard, State Librarian, State Library f Nrth Carlina Bnnie Svrcek, Deputy City Manager, City f Lynchburg, Virginia David Swindell, Directr, Center fr Urban Innvatin, Arizna State University Karen Thresn, President, Alliance fr Innvatin Michael Willis, General Manager, Shellharbur City Cuncil, New Suth Wales, Australia Victria Yarbrugh, Leisure and Library Services Directr, City f Sierra Vista, Arizna 62 APPENDIX

76 Infrmal Advisrs t the Dialgue Dialgue staff made infrmal inquiries f many library prfessinals and practitiner experts during the curse f deliberatins ver the past year. The Dialgue is grateful t the fllwing individuals wh ffered perspective, insights r ther assistance n ne r mre ccasins. Clarence Anthny, Executive Directr, Natinal League f Cities The Hnrable Rushern Baker, Cunty Executive, Prince Gerges Cunty (Maryland) Brian Bannn, Cmmissiner, Chicag Public Library Mamie Bittner, Directr f Cmmunicatins and Gvernment Affairs, Institute f Museum and Library Services Peter Brantley, Directr, Digital Library Applicatins, New Yrk Public Library Jill Cann, Leadership Develpment, State Library & Archives f Flrida Nan Carmack, Directr, Campbell Cunty (Virginia) Public Library System Steve Casburn, ILS Crdinatr, Multnmah Cunty (Oregn) Library Kevin Clark, CEO and Funding Partner, EduPresence Bill Densmre, Principal, Densmre Assciates Bb Farwell, Directr, Otis Public Library (Nrwich, CT) Keith Fiels, Executive Directr, American Library Assciatin Richard Reyes-Gavilan, Executive Directr, DC Public Libraries Angela Gdrich, Strategic Initiatives/Prgram Develpment Executive, Urban Libraries Cuncil Michael Griffin, Executive Directr, Cunty Executives f America Valerie Grss, President & CEO, Hward Cunty (Maryland) Public Library System Tim Gunn, Lead Prject Cnsultant, America s Music, Tribeca Film Institute Parker Hamiltn, Directr, Mntgmery Cunty (Maryland) Public Libraries Ryan Harringtn, Vice President, Artist Prgrams, Tribeca Film Institute Crinne Hill, Directr, Chattanga Public Library Chrystie Hill, Cmmunity Relatins Directr, OCLC Jamie Hllier, C-CEO, Anneal Alan Inuye, Directr, Office f Infrmatin Technlgy Plicy, ALA Washingtn Office Beth Jansn, Executive Directr, Tribeca Film Institute Amy Jhnsn, Bureau f Library Develpment, Divisin f Library and Infrmatin Services, Flrida Department f State Chris Jwaisas, Senir Prgram Officer, Bill & Melinda Gates Fundatin RISING TO THE CHALLENGE 63

77 Patrick Kennedy, C-funder and President, BibliCmmns Wendy Knapp, Assciate Directr f Statewide Services, Indiana State Library Jasn Kucsma, Executive Directr, Metrplitan New Yrk Library Cuncil Blair Levin, Fellw, The Aspen Institute Linda Lrd, Maine State Librarian Barb Macikas, Executive Directr, Public Library Assciatin Carls Manjarraz, Directr f the Office f Planning, Research and Evaluatin, Institute f Museum and Library Services Jnathan Marin, Directr, Cntent & Strategy, The MapStry Fundatin Jrge Martinez, Vice President and Chief Technlgy Officer, The Jhn S. and James L. Knight Fundatin Sharn Mrris, Directr f Library Develpment and Innvatin, Clrad State Library Kent Oliver, Library Directr, Nashville Public Library Jhn Palfrey, Head f Schl, Phillips Academy Karen Archer Perry, Principal Cnsultant, Clarin Cllabrative Sibhan Reardn, Directr, Free Library (Philadelphia, PA) Judith Ring, Directr, State Library & Archives f Flrida Dr. Bbby Rberts, Directr, Central Arkansas Library System Andrea Saenz, First Deputy Cmmissiner, Chicag Public Library Raymnd Santiag, Directr, Miami-Dade (Flrida) Public Library Emily Sheketff, Directr, ALA Washingtn Office Ray Smith, Chief Learning Officer and Funding Partner, EduPresence Barbara Stripling, Past President, American Library Assciatin Janet Tplsky, Directr, Cmmunity Strategies Grup, The Aspen Institute Christpher Tucker, Chairman and CEO, The MapStry Fundatin Bb White, Deputy Directr, Regin 2000 Lcal Gvernment Cuncil (VA) Jhn Windhausen, Directr, SHLB Calitin Jsh Wyner, Executive Directr, Aspen Institute Cllege Excellence Prgram, The Aspen Institute 64 APPENDIX

78 Abut the Aspen Institute Dialgue n Public Libraries The Aspen Institute Dialgue n Public Libraries is a multi-stakehlder frum t explre and champin new thinking n U.S. public libraries, with the gal f fstering cncrete actins t supprt and transfrm public libraries fr a mre diverse, mbile and cnnected sciety. It fcuses n the impact f the digital revlutin n access t infrmatin, knwledge and the cnduct f daily life. Supprted by the Bill & Melinda Gates Fundatin and managed by the Aspen Institute Cmmunicatins and Sciety Prgram, the Dialgue seeks t shape and advance a renewed natinal visin fr public libraries in the 21st century. With the assistance f thught leaders frm business, technlgy, educatin, gvernment, the nnprfit sectr and libraries, the Dialgue n Public Libraries cnsiders the changing rle f public libraries and seeks t articulate a renewed visin fr the vital rle they serve as cmmunity platfrms t advance educatinal and ther pprtunities in a knwledge-based sciety. The Dialgue is a catalyst fr identifying ways in which cmmunities can leverage investments in these essential public institutins t develp richer infrmatin eclgies, build strnger cmmunities and frge new partnerships fr achieving lcal and natinal gals. Thrugh its wrking grup cnvenings, utreach and engagement with diverse stakehlders, cmmissined papers, published reprt and ther activities, the Aspen Institute Dialgue n Public Libraries seeks t ensure that public libraries remain as accessible and relevant t the needs f current and future generatins as they have fr previus generatins f Americans. RISING TO THE CHALLENGE 65

79 Abut the Aspen Institute Cmmunicatins and Sciety Prgram The Cmmunicatins and Sciety Prgram is an active venue fr framing plicies and develping recmmendatins in the infrmatin and cmmunicatins fields. We prvide a multi-disciplinary space where veteran and emerging decisin-makers can develp new appraches and suggestins fr cmmunicatins plicy. The Prgram enables glbal leaders and experts t explre new cncepts, exchange insights, develp meaningful netwrks, and find persnal grwth, all fr the betterment f sciety. The Prgram s prjects range acrss many areas f infrmatin, cmmunicatins and media plicy. Our activities fcus n a brad spectrum f ICT issues such as pen and innvative gvernance, public diplmacy, institutinal innvatin, bradband and spectrum management, cnsumer cybersecurity, cnnected learning, issues f race and diversity, and the free flw f digital gds, services and ideas acrss brders. Mst cnferences emply the signature Aspen Institute seminar frmat: apprximately 25 leaders frm diverse disciplines and perspectives engaged in rundtable dialgue, mderated with the gal f driving the agenda t specific cnclusins and recmmendatins. The prgram distributes ur cnference reprts and ther materials t key plicymakers, pinin leaders and the public in the United States and arund the wrld. We als use the internet and scial media t infrm and ignite brader cnversatins that fster greater participatin in the demcratic prcess. The Prgram s Executive Directr is Charles M. Firestne. He has served in this capacity since 1989 and is als a Vice President f the Aspen Institute. Prir t jining the Institute, Mr. Firestne was a cmmunicatins attrney and law prfessr wh has argued tw cases befre the United States Supreme Curt and many in the curts f appeals. He is a frmer directr f the UCLA Cmmunicatins Law Prgram, first president f the Ls Angeles Bard f Telecmmunicatins Cmmissiners, and an appellate attrney fr the U.S. Federal Cmmunicatins Cmmissin. 66 APPENDIX

80 The Aspen Institute Cmmunicatins and Sciety Prgram One Dupnt Circle, NW Suite 700 Washingtn, DC /016