Library Revolution

One of the great presentations I saw at the Long Island Library Conference yesterday was one showcasing Lindenhurst Library’s podcasting project, presented by director Peter Ward. I thought it was a great example of a library experimenting with the possibilities of becoming a content producer, not just a repository and access point. They use podcasts as a way to distribute library programming and create new audiences for library services, as well as reach out to the community in a unique way.

As a former musician, I was particularly intrigued by the chamber music they have recorded (performed by young, local musicians). This was a great example of how anyone can be a content creator these days… even if you’re not that good. J

I wonder if this general trend might mark a sort of renaissance for amateur musicians… Accomplished amateur musicians were really prevalent in the nineteenth century, and sort of faded into oblivion as access to music created by “real” (professional) performers became easier and easier. It became a case of music consumption being associated with recordings, which were expensive and difficult to make, produce, and disseminate. But recordings are easily consumed. Therefore, it was left to professionals to make the recordings so that everyone else could consume music… And the popularity of amateur music making declined steadily. I know it’s much more complex than that, but that’s the gist of how things went in the 20^th century.

(But I digress!)

Now media production is nearly as easy and access able as media consumption, and is certainly becoming more and more a part of the culture. So I wonder if the proficient amateur musician (or photographer, or filmmaker, etc. etc. etc) is staging a comeback. We are now all empowered to produce and disseminate content, rather than just consume it, and already we are seeing many examples out there of people getting really good at it.

So I think that we need to really think about the role libraries can play – or should play? – in this new age of the proficient amateur producer of content. And I think it’s important for us to think about the ways in which libraries themselves can fit in the role of content producer. Finally, I wonder what trends will develop when it comes to the issue of libraries possibly having a role in preserving this content down the road?

At Lindenhurst, the library is serving as a platform for disseminating user-generated content and is creating and disseminating content of their own making. They are building links in their community by podcasting information about the schools, local performances, and local interest content. Well done!

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