From Gatekeepers to Gate Openers: Designing Meaningful Library Experiences

Abstract

As gatekeepers and content buyers, academic librarians carve out only a limited higher education role - making information accessible - for themselves. Our future depends on our ability to differentiate what libraries offer and what library workers bring to their communities. This article lays out an alternate vision for the library profession - as gate-keeper - where the focus is on designing great library experiences and building relationships with community members.