1. Transforming Libraries, Transforming Communities US-China Library Forum July 2012 Keith Michael Fiels Executive Director American Library Association

3. The American Library Association Founded in 1878 60,000 organizational and individual members 11 Divisions: Academic, Public, School and by library function (management, technology, children’s services, user services, etc.) 19 Round Tables 50 Chapters 1332 Committees 762 Online “Communities” of Interest

4. The American Library Association (continued) Accredits US and Canadian Library Programs Publishing Conferences Offices: Intellectual Freedom, Advocacy, International Relations, Research and Statistics, Diversity

5. Our 2015 goals: ALA equips and leads advocates for libraries, library issues and the library profession, and plays a key role in formulating legislation, policies and standards that affect library and information services. ALA promotes excellence and diversity in the library field. ALA provides leadership in the transformation of libraries and library services in a dynamic and increasingly global digital information environment. ALA provides an environment in which all members, regardless of location or position, have the opportunity to participate in, contribute to, and benefit from engagement in their association. ALA operates effectively, efficiently, creatively and in a socially responsible fashion to accomplish its mission.

6. TU Delft Library, Netherlands

7. Transforming Libraries What do we mean when we talk about transforming libraries? – user expectations – changing communities – community relationships – collections – services – physical space – library workforce – library leadership

8. Transforming Libraries: User Expectations “born digital” users 24/7 availability Convenience is the new location Focus on customer service Focus on customer experience Focus on active participation Collaboration between users and librarians

9. Cerritos Library, California The “experience” library

10. Transforming Libraries: Changing Communities Globalization - predicted for a long time - has finally arrived By 2050, Spanish speakers are expected to outnumber English speakers in US Queens Library: 160 language groups served

11. Transforming Libraries: Relationship to Community Traditional library: passive provider Traditional Library: reactive Transformed Library: proactive Community engagement How can the library support the community agenda? How can the library innovate to help community achieve its aspirations?

12. Aarhus Library, Denmark

13. Transforming Libraries: Collections Ebooks Digital libraries Institutional repositories Web Site as “virtual branch” Social Networking: Facebook, Twitter, blogs User-created content

14. Transforming Libraries: Services Creation and collaboration Embedded librarians Media labs Digital inclusion Gaming and play 21 st century learning Small business development E-government Library as incubator

15. Transforming Libraries: Physical Space The 19 th century library: storage at the center Not just an architectural statement, but a re- conceptualization New functions, new forms Community meeting rooms Computer labs classrooms Information “commons” Collaborative and creativity spaces Idea box

16. Seattle Public Library, Washington

17. Transforming Libraries: Library Workforce The traditional Librarian Leaving the desk Librarians as experts embedded in the community Co-creation with users Tech savvy Experimentation Continuous learning

18. Transforming Libraries: Library Leadership The traditional library: hierarchical The transformed library: much less hierarchical Management now serve as team leaders Leading from within Capture creativity of team members Leader inspires, empowers

19. University of Chicago Library, Illinois

20. Transformation and Multiculturalism: The Challenge The goals: Literacy, economic advancement and integration Extending library services to: – Non-native speakers – New immigrants – Those for whom library use is not part of their cultural experience Removing barriers to access

21. Transformation and Multiculturalism: The Response Native language materials Native-language speaking staff Neighborhood/community branches Mobile libraries Library programs reflecting diverse cultures Library programs, exhibits in community settings Community advisory groups to help “shape” community services and meet community needs Technology Most important: Goals and a plan

22. For more information on transformation - and multiculturalism: Visit the ALA Web Site at : WWW. ALA.ORG

23. Thank You!