the future of digital libraries: put a bird on it

sarah houghtondirector of the san rafael public libraryauthor of librarianinblack.net

Put a Bird on It

Portlandia

• 20%+ budget deficit• 500% in homelessness• staff & FoL “no confidence”• 2 death threats• FOIA requests & lawsuits• mold, leaks, fleas, fed mandates• assaults at work & consulting• divorce/move

I hate everyo

ne.

$65 million

grrr…argh…

the high

jealousy

angst

fatigue

burn out

apathy

fear

not all doom and

gloom

no magic pill

trends to watch

shameless partnerships

social media

interactions

little libraries

livecast and

record events

tech classes

storytimes

open house

get in your governing

agency’s face *now*

demographics

local talent

signature event

kickstart something

prettify

be funny

gift things

morale

timid librarians not allowe

d

stories and feelings last; sexy doesn’t

community

moar lazerz!

ask the people you serve what would make their lives

easier

we are the library.

we democratize information &

expertise.

contribute to the

solution

sarah houghtonlibrarianinblack.net@theliblibrarianinblack@gmail.com