Library closings and depleted budgets are a symptom of a much larger problem. In an automated environment the public does not realize the importance of the printed word. They are under an assumption that the internet will supply all the information they need without the assistance of a librarian. This problem exists in the library world at large. What is troubling is that Jewish education and the transmission of Judaism and Jewish culture has been and still is through the printed word. We dont study or pray with the internet but from a siddur or book. The primary advocate for Judaic libraries is the Association of Jewish Libraries. The organization should make a comment regarding the closings and budget cuts. We have discussed in the past the lack of new recruits to the profession and now we have the additional problem of library closings. We need to speak up and protest the closings and educate the public as to the strong connection of the printed word and the Jewish people. Organizations are concerned with Jewish survival and Jewish education. Libraries and librarians are teachers and guides to these goals. People need to be educated about the different ways that libraries serve the Jewish people and are a partner in the different outreach and education programs that are geared to Jewish survival. Perhaps we as an organization need to redirect our focus at conventions from cultural pursuits to addressing these problems that threaten our profession and our ability to teach people about their religion and heritage. A good first step would be to make a public statement published in major Jewish media outlets to express our concern and offer to educate. Lets use this opportunity to promote, educate, and preserve our profession and the collections that we handle.
Eliezer M. Wise, M.L.S Library Director Tuttleman Library of Gratz College Messages and opinions expressed on Hasafran are those of the individual author and are not necessarily endorsed by the Association of Jewish Libraries (AJL) =========================================================== Submissions for Ha-Safran, send to: Hasafran @ lists.acs.ohio-state.edu SUBscribing, SIGNOFF commands send to: Listproc @ lists.acs.ohio-state.edu Questions, problems, complaints, compliments;-) send to: galron.1 @ osu.edu Ha-Safran Archives: Current: http://www.mail-archive.com/hasafran%40lists.acs.ohio-state.edu/maillist.html History: http://www.mail-archive.com/hasafran%40lists.acs.ohio-state.edu/history.html AJL HomePage http://www.JewishLibraries.org
