U.S. Government Librarian Myra Brown Shares Current Trends in American Libraries

Myra Brown during her presentation. (U.S. Embassy photo)

Participants during the Q & A session. (U.S. Embassy photo)

On January 10, Myra Michele Brown, U.S. Department of State’s Regional Information Resource Officer (RIRO), otherwise known as a library consultant, presented a seminar on “Current Trends in Libraries and Highlights from the ALA Annual Conference 2010” to a group of Malaysian librarians representing the government, universities and public libraries from Malacca and its neighboring state, Negeri Sembilan.  Her seminar, with a myriad informative slides, covered many themes surrounding library services in the 21st century.  Myra began with examples of dynamic initiatives the U.S. and other libraries around the globe have undertaken to enhance their programs and services in line with new, emerging technologies.  She then discussed the American Library Association’s collaboration with gaming corporate partners.  She discussed how gaming is being used in American libraries to connect with communities and instill teamwork and hone problem solving skills among participants.  The Malacca State Library hosted the seminar at Lincoln Corner Malacca.

In the same seminar, Myra described library services from the perspective of the digital collection and the types of hardware involved.  In addition, she showed how online chat service and the dawn of social media are revolutionizing library services.  She also discussed the merits of electronic services such as “Ask A Librarian”, ipl2, google books, and iPad apps.  In her conclusion, Myra emphasized that changing technologies is the clarion call for librarians to think “outside the box,” beyond traditional books and print media.  Participants of her seminar found Myra’s perspectives insightful and said they would welcome this dynamic U.S. librarian to Malaysia again.