Everything Bad is Somewhat Good for You Part II

Libraries and librarians may be well served in the future to start thinking outside the box. As time goes by the line between what has traditionally been entertainment and what has traditionally been educational is being blurred and re-defined. We as professionals must be willing to accept – or at least try - all things that enhance the library experience for our patrons. As technology advances and culture changes, libraries must be willing to embrace an evolving library paradigm.

As Johnson points out, pop culture is becoming more complex and multi-faceted. In the future every new release will need to try to be more memorable and cutting edge than what was released the year before. These days, after all, I honestly think it would be hard to argue that mind-bending movies (Adaptation, Being John Malkovich, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind), can’t-miss-an-episode TV shows (Alias, Lost) and challenging games (Myst, Guitar Hero, Halo) don’t challenge us all to think outside the box at least a little bit. These days pop culture does have to offer something unique or challenging. The consumer is not going to be easily swayed to lay down hard earned cash.

Let’s not forget we live in a world where some 4 year-olds have mastered basic computer skills. Librarians need patrons. If libraries don’t keep up with the times, they will find themselves without patrons.