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IGI Global editors discuss the importance of library support

Join the Fight to Support Libraries

By Taylor Chernisky on May 4, 2017
Fight for Libraries ArticleProf. Brian Doherty
On May 1-2, 2017, hundreds of library supporters converged on Washington D.C. for National Library Legislation Day. These supporters met with their members of Congress to gain support for library issues and policies. In concurrence with this rally, there will be a Virtual Library Legislative Day from May 1-5, where advocates can participate by calling, emailing or tweeting their representatives.

IGI Global editor Professor Brian Doherty, dean of the Jane Bancroft Cook Library, recently took the time to collaborate with IGI Global and provide us with his thoughts on this upcoming event and its importance to libraries within the United States. As a librarian, he was able to provide us with supplemental insight that he has gained from working in this field.
In your opinion, what is the purpose of this day of legislation?

The day of legislation is a critical part of a communications process between legislators and their constituents. Specifically, it is an imperative to bring the message of the value of libraries to those who decide on the fiscal and legal fate of these organizations that are essential to any functioning democracy and free society. Recent political events have made this year especially urgent. With the existence of libraries implicitly being called into question, we must all act.

What do you believe that the effects of this advocacy event will be?

Although I cannot be too optimistic, I do believe that it will bring some legislators to their senses and realize that defunding organizations critical to the support of libraries and, ultimately, to the fortification of our democracy is not in the best interest of the nation. It is always important to visibly make the case so that people have an opportunity to understand the impact of legislation.

In your opinion, why are libraries important and what role do they play in communities and college environments?

Libraries provide environments for discourse and the advance of knowledge – both critical to the ongoing development of a democracy. Libraries also work to provide information to users while empowering them with the skills to use that information in their own growth and thinking.

Ultimately, why are libraries worth fighting for?

It would be impossible to see a thriving democracy such as the United States absent well-supported libraries. Our beliefs are embodied in our support for the free flow of information as well as the activities to access and preserve that information. Libraries are often the last line of defense in thwarting ignorance and intolerance – enemies to healthy societies.

This event is not only known amongst libraries in the United States. We also spoke with Professor Gladys Joy Entico, the Records Management and Administration Officer of Eastwest Bank in the Philippines. When asked why libraries are worth fighting for, she told us, “Libraries promote literacy. It's a great source of knowledge. Libraries help preserve culture of the people.”
Learn more about the Fight for Libraries here.

We want to thank Professor Doherty and Professor Entico for taking time out of their schedules and providing us with a glimpse into the mind of a librarian and explaining why the Fight for Libraries is so important, both domestically and internationally. Please take a moment to review Professor Doherty's and Professor Entico's recent publications below.

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