The 10-Minute International Librarian #60: think about how you enable users

Too often, different degrees of access to information or skills can create economic, social, and democratic divides.

The lucky are enabled, ready to exploit the possibilities open to them, while others are left behind, unaware or unable to do so.

They are left without the capabilities necessary for development.

Tackling this is a key question in any effort not only to promote equality in society, but also to ensure that we are mobilising every talent we have.

It is also traditionally part of the work of libraries, which work to ensure that no-one need be disadvantaged because they cannot afford books, other materials of learning opportunities.

With COVID having underlined the divisions that exist in our societies, it is an important time to underline this role, and ensure that libraries are recognised as contributing.

So for our 60th 10-Minute International Librarian exercise, think about how you enable users.

What examples can you give of how you help them find the information or develop the skills they need to fulfil their potential?

Can you explain it in a couple of sentences, including noting how the work of libraries can change lives for the better?

While the word ‘enable’ itself can be complicated, it is core to the nature of libraries to work with users rather than simply telling them what to do!

Let us know your examples in the comments box below.

Good luck!

 

This idea relates to the IFLA Strategy! Key Initiative 1.1: Show the power of libraries in achieving the Sustainable Development
Goals.

As we publish more ideas, you will be able to view these using the #10MinuteInternationalLibrarian tag on this blog, and of course on IFLA’s Ideas Store! Do also share your ideas in the comments box below.

One thought on “The 10-Minute International Librarian #60: think about how you enable users

  1. Soraya

    By listening and observing carefully, sometimes what they actually need is different from what they say they need.

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