The Symbolic Value of the Library: Transforming Perceptions

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The Symbolic Value of the LibraryTransforming
Perceptions

• Sharon Weiner, EdD, MLS, AHIP
• Dean of Library Services
• University of Massachusetts Dartmouth

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Origin of Presentation

• Acknowledgement
• Dr. James Hearn
• Professor of Higher Education
• University of Georgia

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Purpose of this session

• To explore the use and value of symbols in
  academia
• To explore the symbolic value of the academic
  library
• To determine what symbolism you want your library
  to convey
• To identify ways to convey that symbolism

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Symbols in Organizations (Reframing
Organizations, Bolman Deal)

• Same situation can be viewed in 4 ways
• Structural Frame
• Human Resource Frame
• Political Frame
• Symbolic Frame

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Symbolic Frame

• Assumptions about Symbolic Frame
• What is important is not what happens but what it
  means
• People create symbols in uncertain times to
  resolve confusion, find direction

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The Role of Symbols in Organizations

• Organizations are systems of shared meanings
• Symbols provide keys to help those inside and
  outside an organization
• perceive
• interpret
• legitimate
• the organizations activities

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How do Symbols Show Themselves?

• The expressed values and beliefs
• The satisfaction
• The affect
• The language
• The actions
• of those in the organization

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Symbolic Aspects of Organizations

• Myths
• Explain, express, anchor the present in the past
• Stories

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Symbolic Aspects of Organizations

• Rituals and Ceremonies
• Heroines, Heroes, and Other
• Dramatic Personae

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Symbolic Aspects of Organizations

• Metaphors
• The library is likea community center a black
  hole a dungeon a church
• Humor and Play

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Symbols in Education

• Symbolic features are ubiquitous in educational
  settings
• Look around virtually any institution

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Symbols in Education

• Even non-traditional institutions

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A Video Example The Opening of Dead Poets
Society

• Watch for symbolic features in the clip myths,
  ritual, ceremony, stories, imagery, etc.
• What functions do these organizational features
  serve for this school?

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Paradox

• Virtual libraries
• Library construction
• What symbols, images, metaphors, stories do these
  libraries portray?

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What others say about libraries

• Societys expectations for libraries have become
  a set of myths about libraries and knowledge
• Library stands for the preeminence of order and
  rationality in society
• The Library has the stature of a cultural shrine

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Myths

• Symbol of continuity between past and future
• Represent the knowableness of the universe

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Myths

• Are a social and intellectual commons, a place
  for integration
• The library embodies and protects the freedom
  and diversity of the human spirit in a way that
  borders on the sacred

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Metaphors

• A library should be the delivery room for the
  birth of ideas
• The librarians duty is to be a midwife to the
  birth of knowledge

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Symbolism of Facility

• Fast-changing, uncertain world
• Need for sense of place
• Source of individual and community identity
• Deep emotional and psychological ties

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Symbolism in Libraries

• Are library staff visible on campus?
• Symbolism of reorganization and strategic
  planning
• Library jargon
• Expectations of patrons

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Library Web Presence

• Peabody Library at Vanderbilt
• Cabrillo College

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How do you want your library to be perceived?

• You can use symbolism to influence the perception
  of your library!

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Exercise, part 1What impression do you want your
library to convey?

• Campus collaborator
• Cathedral
• Control
• Community builder
• Elitist
• Educational change agent
• Faculty-centered
• Friendly/welcoming
• Helpful
• Imposing
• Information gas station
• Facilitator of inquiry
• Gateway to knowledge

• Knowledge integrator/
• synthesizer
• Knowledge storehouse
• Learning space
• Like Barnes and Noble/Starbucks
• Opulence
• Power
• Preserve knowledge
• Prestige
• Service-oriented
• Student-centered
• Technology savvy

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Exercise, part 2

• What can help to convey this impression?
• Myths
• Stories
• Rituals
• Humor and play
• Heroes/heroines
• Metaphors

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• Does your image of the library agree with the
  image your users have?

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Symbolic Actions of Administrators

• Process culturesvalue attention to how
  something is done difficult to find out
  effectiveness of what is done
• Involvement from all staff on a task force
• Rational budgeting process important to academics
  (scholars value objectivity)

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• Everything a leader does or says or does not do
  or say is open for symbolic intent or
  interpretation.

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Use of symbols

• Look for contradictions in your use of symbols
  (actions vs. language)
• Example speak about visibility/but not
  available
• Administrative Assistants Day
• Use symbols consistent with organizational
  culture
• Use all symbolic forms

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• Thank you!
• Questions?