Over the past few years of deep engagement with what I refer to as “the library dilemma”, I’ve observed activity within the library community mostly at two extremes. One is a “heads down” posture that does not engage the issues. This takes the form of insularity for sure, tho I’d also put efforts like HaithiTrust and DPLA in this category. The latter are devoting precious resources to building better mousetraps — and even if they succeed, it won’t (IMO) change the trajectory of libraries. We need to critically examine the structural foundations of our library systems, not merely the devices within them. The other is an “arguing with the world” posture that criticizes, and demonizes publishers, google, the public, municipal or university officials — basically “anyone but us”.

What I have yet to see is a dispassionate, comprehensive analysis of the dilemma that posits multi-dimensional, practical ideas to address them. I’ve become convinced this will not come from within the library community; folks there have too much “skin in the game”. I’m also confident that analysis & proposals to strengthen the Institution and communities will easily gain support, save for two constituencies. One is political forces that do not want members of the 99% empowered. The other is from the library community itself, which contains many members who are resistant to change and/or who will do anything to preserve their status as “big fish in small ponds”.

As you and Andy have suggested, the library community would do well to examine its extreme postures. It would also do well, I think, to reach far outside itself for assistance. Stressors no doubt seem overwhelming from the inside. To this outsider, the stressors pale in comparison to the Institution’s many assets including a historic mission, a significant contemporary need for its transcendental services and countless practitioners with integrity … like those commenting here.