Why The Next Big Pop-Culture Wave After Cupcakes Might Be Libraries, by Linda Holmes.
I am happy to see that libraries are getting some much-needed attention in the public eye during this most difficult of times for libraries. People are talking about this article, which then gets people thinking about libraries (also good). I would like to add my voice to the growing chorus of discussion surrounding this article here on The Dean Files.
Cupcakes are tasty and delicious. Jen makes a mean Italian Creme Cake cupcake, and we like to visit Sprinkles now and again. Seeing the growth of cupcakes and related media is neat, but I think the "pop-culture wave" is really about how cupcakes are fun, tasty, and represent on some level, frivolity and an attempt to keep those worries in check. And, while that's all well and grand, I hope people don't associate libraries with the same ideas.
And that's why I hope libraries are not the next big pop-culture wave - not that the publicity would be bad, and not that it would make things better. No, I question the "wave" for two reasons - for the motivation of the supporters, as well as the support provided by the "wave." Are these people going to be supporting the library simply because it's the cool thing to do, or are they going to be supporting libraries because of libraries' impact on society today? If it's the former, then I hope libraries are passed over by the wave. Libraries are far more than the cool or trendy thing - they represent, as a whole, our cultural memory. They are by and large the repositories of some of our most significant objects - from the Lindisfarne Gospels, the Domesday Book, and even documents tracing the foundation of the United States. These are objects that are not just trendy, but in the most serious sense, always "cool." The professionals that work inside libraries dedicate their careers to serving the information needs of others through their essential and specialized set of skills and abilities.
I suppose my other problem with the wave is that it inevitably ebbs. Yes, there is for a time a surge of interest and (in the case of libraries) but at the end, there is a significant drop in support as the wave moves on to the next big things. When the wave leaves, where does that leave libraries? Left holding the bag? If that's the case, I hope we just say, "No thanks, wave, we are doing well on our own," because, frankly, librarians and library supporters are doing a darn good job of promotion as it is. We really don't need the wave, because the appeal and usefulness of libraries is widely recognized - we just needed a stronger voice. And, I think, one of the better things to happen because of this very difficult time in libraries is that we have a strong, clear voice - one that people hear and respond to. Now, if the wave brought us a megaphone to keep and have our voice heard more broadly, then come on over, wave! (Ha.)
What do you think? Would the trend and wave of pop culture be a good thing for libraries? Do you disagree with me? Agree? Let me hear from you in the comments - I look forward to a great discussion!
Ok, here are my thoughts on this.
ReplyDelete1. Libraries have been in existence for a very long time. It is not as if they are an entirely new phenomenon.
2. Cupcakes were also in existence for a very long time before they became the next big thing. They may be losing ground in the coolness arena but I guarantee that the good ones will stick around.
3. Libraries are "cool" right now. We have discussed the hipster infusion, the changing of the guard mentality with older librarians moving out and a younger generation taking hold, etc.
4. Getting a little publicity as well as having a young, activist crowd on the side of the library might not hurt during a time when funding is down for libraries. Maybe it wears off in a few years but maybe it helps get libraries back on track in city, state, and federal budgets.
5. Thanks for the shout out on the Italian creme cupcakes. :)
"Libraries have been in existence for a very long time. It is not as if they are an entirely new phenomenon."
ReplyDeleteI agree with this, Jen. It is just unfortunate that the funding for these institutions has been cut back so much that they are being underutilized. Hopefully, comparing them to cupcakes (and that Italian creme cake sounds divine) will force people to think more about their importance.
And cupcakes will never go out of style. My waistline can attest to that fact.
Lauren - I wish library funding was not so lacking right now. That really is a shame. I figure anything that brings this into focus and helps libraries to play an active role in communities, even if it's a bunch of hipsters, is welcome at this point. :) I suddenly want a cupcake...
ReplyDeleteLauren, I think you have a good point. Libraries being on people's minds is a good things - we just need to be careful of the message. And, as I said in the post, I think we have done a pretty dang good job of advocacy on our own, without the hipsters!
ReplyDeleteThose cupcakes are so awesome. Yum.
ReplyDelete