I started to comment on the CNN article Marsha discussed in her earlier post, but I couldn’t add links so I’m adding my comment as a new post

Several things about that article struck me…

First, the quote from Helene Blowers about the library as a “community gathering center” was worth noting for two reasons. For one thing, she is the digital strategy director at her library. I’ve been in online workshops with her and can tell you that she’s very sophisticated technologically, but understands the importance of a place for people to gather – literally. Technology – even the most interactive – does not replace the need to people to convene. Just a few moments ago, I was participating in a livestream of the National Conference on Citizenship from my home office and was able to text with other people attending the conference at the Library of Congress and those like me watching from the comfort of their own home, but given the chance, I would have preferred to be with them in person. It’s also important for us to note this need for people to gather and the role of the library in providing that space because it’s not something we have in abundance in Salado! Even with the library’s redesign (Thanks to the Tokker grant) we still do not have enough space for community meetings.

I also appreciated the discussion about how libraries could focus on “deeply local” material, but I would take it farther than just helping “people gain access to (it) by digitizing it.” I think that the library can help members of the community to become its own storytellers, helping local citizens document their family history and the history of the community. We could have workshops on how to curate your family or community archive. Our local historical society is very active and has boxes of materials inaccessible to the public that they would like to house at the library. Once again, our only restriction is space!

I had to jump for joy when the article referenced librarians a debate moderators even though they did get the title wrong. I have been active with the American Library Association and have established a group of librarians who are interested in helping their community deliberate about difficult problems. They are serving as moderators, problem-solvers, and collaborators. Of course, we have a blog for the ALA Membership Initiative Group: Librarians Fostering Civic Engagement! Would you expect anything less from me?