Scott's Stuff - Lessons Learned from Netherlands Libraries

Scott Nicholson, Associate Professor at Syracuse University's School of Information Studies, recently spent time in the Netherlands. He worked with public libraries in Amsterdam and Delft and brought home some thoughts about something more US libraries could think about.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• libraries
• public
• amsterdam
• delft

[SaltLight7]

I think you have to define what a library is or should be and not necessarily in a historical sense. Should a library be a business or be run like a business? Should it be open to anyone? Should it house entertainment or food? Should it be a place that encourages culture or simply preserves culture? Should you expect to find "hard to find" items at a library or only "common" ones?

Only after these (and many other) questions are answered can one determine the validity of a given library form.

[snicholson]

@SaltLight7 That's not for me to define. A library is a service organization for a specified community, and that community defines what the library's role needs to be. Different communities have different needs, therefore, there is no common definition as to what a library is.

[Evilnitsuj]

You talk refer to these libraries as public, but then you go on to say that you must be a member to use their services. That sounds to me like they are actually private libraries. Is the membership only necessary to check out media or is it need to just get through the door?

Also, do any private libraries exist here in the US that operate on a membership model similar to this one?

[snicholson]

I had the same struggle of "public" vs. private - but anyone can come into the library and look at things there, use many of the computers. In addition, anyone on welfare can use it for free. So, it's more like the tax is applied to the users rather than to everyone. But it is a different model than how we think of a US public library.

[ScarletHerring]

In your video you comment on needing to pay to become a library member might bias towards people who have money. You should notice, however, that the Dutch welfare system is such that, basically, everybody can afford to become a library member. Of course, you still have many people who choose to spend their money on something else than a library, but if someone is interested in reading, regardless of their social standing, a library membership is a really cheap way to get their fix.

[snicholson]

Thanks for your comment! I've added an annotation making a note of it.

[SaltLight7]

@snicholson That's actually a very good definition of a library. I take it you've thought about this before. :)

[rross27]

Interesting and informative video! Nice job 8)

[Melville10]

Given the dismal state of the states' economies, pay to use isn't a bad idea.

[kittyminty]

I wonder if it is like this in all libraries in the netherlands. It's kind of a strange idea anyway.

I remember libraries being used often. So I don't see the need to try to attract even more people.

these days a librarie is also a great place to get free internet for many people.

I don't know anything about the library system in the US, I'm from Belgium myself. But starting to pay for acces to knowledge, I have my doubts, I should visit it and see for myself before I judge though.

[MechanicalBug]

Certainly not a fan of this idea for American libraries. Even under the existing system here, there is a focus on movies that ends up doing nothing but diverting library funds over to 10 copies of the latest Michael Bay mediocrity.

In short, people want dreck. Libraries should rise above the common denominator.

[Peter13101984]

Most dutch libararies are getting money from their local government, but to keep the open community model they are dependant on their customers.

It is a good thing to note that those 2 Dutch libraries are the cherry on the pie.

In the rural area's things are a bit less good looking, but a library still has the same function.

Great Job Scott, it nicely depicts our Dutch library system.

[jenninwp]

Interesting video. But it is worth remembering that Amsterdam and Delft are commercial and educational centers. I could see libraries in major cities and universities in the U.S. explore this, but I truly wonder if it would work in a rural setting? Could a fee based system actually function in an economic region that is economically suffering?