Some lessons for the future from libraries of the past : four recurring themes in library development

Abstract

Where libraries of today are is a consequence of their past. Library directors and librarians need take note of the lessons of the libraries of the past, and heed their warnings and successes. This essay seeks to provide justification that the decisions made in libraries today with regard to the future, should be made with reference to what can be learnt from library history. Four Themes are deemed integral to assisting the strategic planning for library development. Theme one the library as an element of civilisation, theme two the place of the library in society as an institution, theme three library involvement and response to electronic publishing, and theme four the core roles and functions of the library. By understanding the socio-economic and political background to library development, then pertinent pointers to the future directions of libraries can be made. The strategic direction of the library can be to the commodification of information, or the preferred choice of retention of the social good values of the librarian and libraries as disseminators of knowledge.