Focus groups insights from Romania!
We have some good news from Romania too! Our partner has collected some interesting insights from 4 focus groups!
The future of libraries seems depending on their adaptability to digital advancements and on creating an inclusive environment that meets community needs and values diversity.
So, what did they talk about?
The role of libraries in meeting community needs: Modern libraries serve as digital and social mediators, adapting to future generations' needs through digitalization. They aim is to meet the needs of both seniors, who may struggle with digital advancements, and younger people, who face potential misuse of media. Librarians should stay updated on new technologies and, in turn, become trainers for their users. Future libraries are envisioned as large, mixed-use spaces featuring open areas, individual workstations, and relaxation rooms, all equipped with technology. Although some libraries already offer technological features like self-service stations for book borrowing and returns, this shift makes traditional librarian roles obsolete, prompting a need for new skill sets.
Skills required for future librarians: Future librarians need skills in digital literacy, communication, empathy, and initiative. Their role will shift towards helping users identify reliable information sources. They will need digital skills, strong communication abilities to foster social interaction, and creativity, as the human element remains essential to library services.
Libraries in the digital era: Libraries must keep pace with social and technological change. Digitalization improves services and speeds up information retrieval while maintaining the value of physical books. Libraries will increasingly host activities beyond books, focusing on community events, workshops, and outdoor gatherings. Traditional librarian roles are evolving, as future librarians are expected to act more as educators and facilitators.
Barriers for users and staff with mental disabilities: Librarians face challenges in serving users with mental disabilities, including communication issues and cooperation with parents. Hiring staff with mental disabilities also brings challenges, as it requires team adaptation. Users with mental disabilities encounter few obstacles, as librarians adapt to their needs, despite not being specialized.
Perceptions of staff with mental disabilieties: Librarians have mixed feelings: they recognize the difficulties of working with mentally disabled colleagues, especially in stressful situations, while also feeling a responsibility to provide them with adequate support.
Challenges in hiring staff with mental disabilities: Employing staff with mental disabilities presents challenges related to understanding and managing tasks, often requiring dedicated mentorship. Stereotypes also affect their integration, both among library users and staff. However, integrating staff with mental disabilities requires support from specialists in psychology and disability education to guide their training and manage realistic expectations.
Support strategies for staff with mental disabilities: A helpful strategy is pre-hiring volunteer opportunities, allowing individuals to explore various library roles. Legislation also plays a key role in supporting their integration, and training centers like Vrancea County’s provide volunteer and future librarian support.
Personal end professional experiences: Working with individuals with mental disabilities often requires adjustment periods for effective collaboration.
Social impact: Hiring individuals with mental disabilities is seen as beneficial for the library’s public image, though specific outcomes are not detailed.
And what do you think about it about this themes?
We are preparing a survey in which you can participate! Keep following our adventure!