Critique of the library as ecosystem. Walter, S. (2008).

Critique of “The library as ecosystem” Nathan King NCCU Bibliographic Information Walter, S. (2008). The library as ecosystem. Library Journal, 133(16), 28-30. Retrieved from http://www.libraryjournal.com/article/CA6598103.html As I browsed through library articles on staffing I ran across a very interesting piece by Scott Walter. The purpose of this article is to encourage a new way of thinking about academic libraries. He uses scientific concepts regarding ecosystems as imagery to explain how the concepts of mutual benefit and coevolution can enhance the academic library of the future. Walter believes it is better to discuss the future of academic libraries in ecological terms instead of geographical terms. He explains that, “ecology is the study of interactions between organisms and their environment, and the academic library could be considered to be an ecosystem, i.e., a ‘biological organization’ in which multiple species must interact, both with one another and with their environment” (Walter, 2008, pg. 28). This metaphor is very interesting because not only can librarians and professionals be considered species, but also library users can be considered similarly. Library and Information Center managers should understand these important concepts. The article discusses three kinds of professionals that can be found in the academic library today: the trained librarian with a library degree, “feral professionals”, and “hybrid professionals”. Walter explains these concepts more positively by using the metaphor of the ecosystem. Walter is critical of Jim Neal’s 2006 article in Library Journal called “Raised by Wolves”. In that article Neal calls professionals with years of experience in other professions that work in academic libraries “feral professionals”. Neal implies these professionals are “untamed” because they hold no library degree. Walter, however, believes that “feral” is too negative a metaphor and prefers the metaphor of “mutualism”. This term, a word also taken from the life sciences, has no connotation that one “must be ‘tamed’ or ‘socialized’ to the norms of another” (Walter, 2008, pg. 29). Mutualism in reference to life science “describes interactions between the members of two species that benefit both” (Walter, 2008, pg. 29). Walter applies this concept to the professionals in the academic library setting. He argues that the focus is not on the species competing but rather on the exchanges that result in advantages to all participating species. He continues to point out that mutualistic ecosystems thrive with a diversity of professional species which in turn gives strength to the ecosystem. Walter gives the example of Kansas State University Libraries at Lawrence to illustrate a mutualistic ecosystem. The instructional services unit there delivers information literacy training through multiple venues. The unit is led by a librarian and includes library professionals and technology professionals. This blend of professionals allows for the completion of the variety of tasks that information literacy training requires. This reflects the mutualistic metaphor because the interactions of the species are resulting in benefits for all. Walter believes that “mutualistic relationships can’t help but provide better service to its users” (Walter, 2008, pg. 29). Library and Information Center managers in the academic library setting should consider thinking of their organization in these terms. Mutualism not only helps the library but benefits all. In the same way that Walter calls for a different metaphor regarding experienced professionals working in the academic library, he also calls for a different metaphor regarding Ph.D. holders in the academic library. The term “hybrid professional” was first employed by the Council on Library and Information Resources. These professionals certified with a Ph.D. often act as bridges between the library and academic departments. Walter argues that “a vision of ‘coevolution’ in which mutualistic interactions between species result in ‘reciprocal evolutionary change’ is preferable” to a metaphor of “hybrid” reinforcing his academic library as ecosystem metaphor (Walter, 2008, pg. 30). He returns to the University of Kansas to support his argument, citing the long history of partnerships between librarians, information professionals, and faculty professionals allowing for professional coevolution regarding instructional services (Walter, 2008). Managers of library and information centers in academic settings should want to work together with other professionals to better serve their users. By working together professionals also evolve together. The metaphors “mutualism” and “coevolution” liken the academic library to an ecosystem. Unlike the limited terms “feral” and “hybrid”, “mutualism provides a way of talking positively and powerfully about the changes taking place in the professional environment of the academic librarian” (Walter, 2008, pg. 30). Walter argues that campuses must welcome relationships that harmonize the interactions between academic professionals and the diverse professional species. This ensures the evolution will allow for a thriving new environment (Walter, 2008). Since I am employed in an academic library I can see the evidence that the academic library is like an ecosystem. I saw evidence of this just the other day as new computers were installed at our circulation desk. The installation required technology professionals working together with a librarian and maintenance professionals. We worked together to get the computers installed quickly and efficiently. This is an example of mutualism. All species of professionals worked together for the benefit of all. What may have taken one department several hours to complete—installing the computers—took only twenty minutes because we all worked together. The maintenance professionals drilled holes for computer cables, the IT professionals placed the computers in position, and I installed the circulation software. By working side by side in a mutualistic fashion all of the departments coevolve together. Every different profession involved is a species working for the betterment of the academic library ecosystem. This metaphor can help Library and Information center managers in the academic setting better understand the rapidly changing environment of academic libraries. In conclusion this article’s purpose is to encourage library professionals to think of academic libraries as ecosystems. Scientific concepts like mutualism and coevolution are used as imagery to explain the ever changing environment of the academic library. This metaphor is logical and flexible. Librarians, professionals, and library users can be considered species of the academic library ecosystem. Walter discusses the concepts of “feral professionals” and “hybrid professionals” but explains them more positively with the metaphor of the ecosystem. He humanizes the roles professionals play in the academic library. Managers of academic libraries most probably will find that the metaphor of the ecosystem very appropriately describes their library environment. Critique of “The library as ecosystem” 4 Running head: Critique of “The library as ecosystem” 1