Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About The skanner. (Portland, Or.) 1975-2014 | View Entire Issue (June 1, 2011)
news library continued from page 1 they feel about library programs and servic- es. It’s impacted by how the community feels about those same things and what they value. So I want to learn all of that. I’m also geo- graphically challenged so trying to figure out how to get around to each of the libraries is going to take a little bit longer. the Skanner news:What are the major challenges facing libraries in general? Marcellus turner: Libraries in general across the country are facing a couple of things: remaining relevant and of value, which is not going to be a hard one for the Seattle Public Library because it is such a valued library system. The sec- ond thing is funding, trying to find sta- ble funding. And the third thing is trying to stay on top of technology and where it is taking us in the library field in gen- eral. the Skanner news: How is technolo- gy affecting libraries? Marcellus turner: We are moving into an information age, where everything hinges on knowledge and information. Where technol- ogy comes into play is that information is now available at your fingertips and at your earlobes because it’s coming at you through all of your mobile devices; it’s mobile in itself because you can take that quest for information wherever you need to go. So those are the types of things that we are doing. And then everything is becoming information, from how to build something to directions to an event. All of that “is” infor- mation and people want it when they want it where they want it. the Skanner news:There is a challenge there in that not everyone can afford these mobile devices. Marcellus turner: Right and I think that’s where the library plays a very crucial role which is providing access to information for those who do not have a means to get to information through a mobile device. the Skanner news: How can libraries help get kids reading? Marcellus turner: We can keep them engaged and keep them involved. I think people have to recognize that whatever kids are reading is useful. Whether it is the back of a cereal carton or if it’s a comic book, then that is going to be valuable for them. And then they will move on to reading other things. the Skanner news: What are you reading at the moment? Marcellus turner: I am reading a couple of things – and one’s an audio book. I’m listening to Push, the book that the movie Precious was based on. And I’m reading ‘Slow Love’ by Dominique Browning. She was with a major publishing house and she lost her job. She was the publisher of Conde Nast’s House and Garden magazine. So the book is about her experience. And I’m read- ing a third book called Giraffe. I’ve been reading it for a while, so I apologize. I love Giraffe – so that’s the first thing. I thought it was going to be a bit more interesting that it was. It’s about an experiment where Giraffe’s were moved from one country to another to populate and bring Giraffes as a zoo item for a country. Somewhere in this it goes awry and I’m not sure what happens. I haven’t made it that far yet. That’s what I’m reading. the Skanner news: Fiction or Non- Fiction? Marcellus turner: Both. Giraffe is fiction. Slow Love is a nonfiction. Actually it has a full title. ‘Slow Love. How I lost my job, put on my pajamas & found happiness.’ Push is fiction. And I just read a book about the edi- tor of Parade magazine who lost his job and found happiness. So I’m not sure why I’m on that track but I think I like it because it’s more about how they found happiness. the Skanner news: In Portland, every year the library and the colleges choose a book that everyone can read together. Is there a book that you would recommend that every- one should read? Marcellus turner: I’m laughing because in fact it was the Seattle Public Library that started the City Reads program. So it will be exciting to go into that. But you know there are just so many great books out there that I couldn’t even begin to recommend one that everyone should read. My favorites tend to differ from others. But I find a lot of value and interest in what others suggest so I’m always happy to just hear what the book title is and then read it. the Skanner news: Anything else you want to let people know? Marcellus turner: I’d like to send a warm ‘hello’ to Vailey Oehlke, (director of Multnomah County Libraries).And I’d like her to know that I’m very glad that I’ll be in the same part of the country. I think people have to recognize that whatever kids are reading is useful. Whether it is the back of a cereal carton or if it’s a comic book, then that is going to be valuable. the Skanner news: What would surprise people about what libraries are doing? Marcellus turner: I don’t know if people would be surprised at what we’re doing or if it is more of an Aha. Libraries are playing an important role in connecting the community through, for example, activities. That’s something libraries have always done, but I think we are going to see a lot more of that. Libraries have an opportunity to partner with the communi- ty, to really be a partner through hosting events and offering our facilities so that neighborhoods can come together. Please recycle this newspaper Page 4 The Seattle Skanner June 1, 2011
