The Chronicle: Colloquy: Responses

For the most part I agree with David Orenstein. We have all the skills to provide needed information and technical assistance to our patrons. But we do not do a good job of making faculty aware of our importance in the scholarly arena. Hence the students do not think they need libraries to complete that assignment or for satisfying general inquisitiveness that develops their critical thinking skills and make them informed citizens. If we invite the students to a library instruction program without faculty input, the turnout is always poor. It is desirable at this time in our profession to think of innovative ways of bringing people to our doors. It is no longer enough to say "if we buy books, they will come." Making our buildings attractive is one way.

I quite agree with having coffee bars, but will that alone make them use the collection? I know people who only go to the library coffee bar to get their mugs filled. When faculty make it an issue that the quality of papers turned in should reflect library use in a number of ways, and the references to websites should be supported by statements of authenticity, then, after their coffee, a trip to the stacks will be next. I say, we need faculty partnership now more than ever. One more thing, I know one can do research without coming to the library because of the wealth of electronic resources available and the ease of access we provide. For those who already know what to access and how to retrieve information from their desktops, trips to the library may be minimal. But they can visit the coffee bar for collegiality, faculty/student interaction and chance for participation in discussions and debates on current events and social issues. Libraries could be transformed from the traditional storehouse of knowledge to a fertile breeding ground for best minds.

: -- Ibironke Lawal, Engineering and Science Librarian, Virginia Commonwealth University (posted 11/13, 10:15 a.m., U.S. Eastern time)

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