Gaming in Libraries

So, librarians catch flak for not being with the times. Then, they try to be hip to attract new library patrons. Then, they catch flak for that (cf. "Nebraska Auditor Cries Foul on Gaming in Libraries"). Seems like a lose-lose situation to me! Grr.

Ironically, the VERY NEXT article in this week's AL Direct was "ALA Releases Gaming Toolkit" - talk about conflicting stories!

This seems to me to be an issue getting back to the unfunded mandate of libraries. If libraries were a mandate, with EXPLICIT descriptions of their mandate, i.e. whom they serve (including teens and children), how they serve (including using emerging technologies to maintain current), etc., then libraries would be less often subjected to such silly rebukes.

We love libraries

I was excited to note that the NY Times' guide to DC for people going to the inauguration included a very-pro-libraries piece on the Library of Congress (See http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/16/arts/design/16cong.html?partner=permalink&exprod=permalink). In talking about the construction/architecture of the LOC, author Charles McGrath says "it's gratifying that someone once though books deserved such an impressive home" and also quotes Jefferson's explanation as to why Congress needed to keep his eclectic and comprehensive collection - TJ could not think of any subject to which a Member might never need to refer. This is particularly lovely to remember in a moment when the outgoing Exec. Branch does not seem to think that historical records deserve to be kept at all.