What to expect from libraries in the 21st century: Pam Sandlian Smith at TEDxMileHigh

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Published 2013-12-16

Why do we still need libraries in the age of digital, real-time information? In this emotional talk, Pam Sandlian Smith shows how she works to use the library as a hub for community-based knowledge creation and discourse.

In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)

All Comments (21)

@BeverlyM52 7 years ago

When I'm asked exactly what I do, I can't fully answer. I can tell about checking books in and out, helping people find things, budgeting, cataloging--the normal known tasks. After that, I almost have to say, "I don't know." This wonderful librarian really gets it! What I "do" all depends upon what's happening, day to day.
@Transit_Biker 6 years ago

My girlfriend is a children's librarian. This just made my day, and i shared it with her to share with her fellow library staff. Thank you.
@ms.controlgijibae45 6 years ago

We never know the exact role that a decision we make has in someone else's life. As librarians, we don't always realize how much the community relies on us to perpetuate an area of learning and cultivation for evolving minds. Sometimes an exact need of the community may not be visible, but always striving to provide new ways of learning can stimulate those around us to see beyond the tips of their noses to what is infinitely possible.
@rebeccaalig4012 8 years ago

I found this video to be very illuminating. As a graduate student who is pursuing an MLIS at UKY, I know that the validity of libraries has been a controversial issue for 25 years. In the early 1990's, Sacred Heart School only allowed enough funding for the library to be open twice a week. However, the president of Mount Saint Joseph University realizes that Archbishop Altar Library is the center for intellectual endeavors and technology. With respect to public libraries, they are often the only quiet place to study, particularly in underprivileged communities.
@elizabethpickering9463 8 years ago

This was brilliant, and so encouraging as a graduate student pursuing my MLIS. Thank you, Pam!!
@happydays2300 7 years ago

I laughed, I cried! Two thumbs up! Best library speech on youtube! Thanks so much for this uplifting video.
@deborahgoodwin1379 4 years ago

I've always loved the library and so grateful for the library experience!!! During the most fml difficult times of my life the library played an integral role in continuing my education and place where my son could go to enjoy free puppet shows and story time reading times. ❤❤❤
@nimyan9076 6 years ago

This is the warmest video I've ever seen concerning 'digital humanities' so far. Not the most ambitious, exciting or mind-blowing one, but with most warmth in it.
@saralatham3471 7 years ago

I love this! This is why I want to be a librarian!
@smarterthanawaffle 9 years ago

Wow, Pam. That was SO GOOD. I found you because Anythink is looking for help, and I'm a reference librarian looking to return to the field after motherhood. Thank you for being so smart, so articulate, so meaningful, and so funny. You are the best that Library Science has to offer: part wizard, part genius, part explorer.
@csinger812 10 years ago

Lot's of great insights here! Libraries are so much than a place where you check out books!
@andi-roo9426 5 years ago

The library has been my go-to for just about everything, in childhood and adulthood; in poor times and in ... Well, not rich, but less poor; in Depression and in joy; in parenting and empty nest. I love what libraries stand for: a free and stable society which cares for all its various peoples. I am so grateful to the heroes who work in this field, and hope to join their ranks when I'm able to go back to school.
@patriciawilliams9860 10 years ago

A vital message brilliantly delivered!
@sabujkumarchaudhuri1093 9 years ago

Unparalleled ,thought provoking and inspiring speech, indeed!!! I will surely recommend to all my Grad students to see this extraordinary speech. Thank you so much for sharing.
@jackyjakosalem3350 6 years ago

I like the idea of putting up coffee shop inside the Library in London, because there's so many people who love's drinking coffee while reading there favorite books they spend a lot of time to stay ther.i believe library is still exist because there's a lot of student who do not have an access to the internet, so they do their research in library. Having coffee shop inside the library is a ver brilliant idea.
@terriboyce5144 5 years ago

I know my Library is ready when my students enter and their mouths drop open. Dozens of books on display, thounds lining the shelves, computers, magazine, comics, and audio books. Quiet reading spots, group areas, puppet theater, art center, building and puzzle tables, kitchen playset, reading buddy stuffed animals. The key is to provide for my student's needs to learn and interact whether they want a cozy reading spot to be alone, or a chance to share their own stories through play.
@muhumuzamedardemmy9235 8 years ago

This trend of library transformation from the traditional libraries due to ICT has really seen developing countries adapt to new technologies in disseminating information to their clients not forgetting online library insructions
@ellengoldfinch5167 9 years ago

What a wonderful way to explain the importance of public libraries. Thank you, Sandlian!
@marciasilva6582 4 years ago

Amazing. Google will never substitute a library. We need it to keep accomplishing people's dreams.
@SkipRogersJr 5 years ago

I am very inspired and emotional after watching that video. Thank you for sharing!