Expectations Accept Change

February 09, 2012

What affect does your previous experience have on what you are doing now? Is it possible that what you expect from something shapes your reaction to what you receive? I think this is very much the case, and I’m not the only one. For instance, recently there was a report on NPR about the relationship between expectations and reactions, and what becomes of that when people purposely raise or lower them. Though slightly facetious, I think that this report makes a valid point; expectations are half the battle.

What about the library? It’s an irrefutable fact that the very essence of the library is changing. As with all change, it is up for debate whether the changes are good or bad. Digital media and databases are becoming bigger issues. This is evident in MCPL alone, where requests for eBooks have more than tripled from this time last year. Obviously, the demographics and the goals of the library system are changing. There are clear differences between what people look for when they come to the library. In changing to accommodate everything, some things not previously considered are being brought to the forefront, and some preciously prevalent issues are being put to the wayside. The question becomes, what is the most valuable thing that the library does, that it can keep doing as we move forward into the digital age? Some people come for Internet access and printing services. Some people come for the digital resources and databases. Some come, of course, for the books. Which of these should take precedence? What do you expect from your library?

Heather G.
Oak Grove Branch