Treasuring our traditions and our people: Riding the wave and making a difference over the next 25 years

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to address two questions: first, faced with the “disruptive technologies” of e‐revolution, will there be academic libraries in 25 years time for our younger colleagues to inherit? Are senior academic library managers reacting rightly and proactively making the correct strategic decisions now to ensure the rightful and proper place for librarians in a university for decades to come? Second, assuming there will indeed be university libraries and “librarians” to people them in the future, what professional and personal attributes will future librarians need, not only to ride the e‐revolution wave, but also to prosper as leaders in their institutions to the year 2057 and beyond?

Design/methodology/approach

A general review of the current state‐of‐play in academic library management vis‐à‐vis the e‐revolution, in terms of the history of the profession and previous perceived “revolutions”.

Findings

Suggests academic library professionals are over‐reacting to the “newness” of the electronic environment and under‐valuing their own professional traditions and their own people.

Practical implications

Proposes remedies: advising caution, common sense, and the right sort of professionals to “brand” the library for a successful future.

Originality/value

The author's own personal views built up after 35 years of experience in academic library management.

Citation

Storey, C. (2007), "Treasuring our traditions and our people: Riding the wave and making a difference over the next 25 years", Library Management, Vol. 28 No. 8/9, pp. 488-500. https://doi.org/10.1108/01435120710837774