A Failure in Marketing

Abstract

This paper addresses the current climate in the library world from the perspective of a library student. We are at a point where the actual value of libraries and library services are of the utmost importance, but the perceived importance from our patron base is on the decline. The root of the problem is that of marketing. Libraries need to refocus attention on making sure that people are aware of what services the library can provide even as many believe the role to be lost in increasing obsolesce. As the job has been in the past, librarians are going to continue the role as filters within the ever increasing information repository of the internet. It is our duty to help people find good information in a world where there is more access, and yet less clarity. This essay is a response to recent articles that express anger towards librarians and the library profession. It is imperative that we make ourselves known as a very important resource and to make sure that libraries and librarians represent a good return on investment (ROI) to the library administration as well as for the users.