I've decided to delete my last post.
The problem with blogs is that it's a public forum, and whilst it's cathartic to try and work out all of life's problems through the expression of thoughts, the problem lies wherein those thoughts are derived from a particular scenario. One which would be inappropriate for me to describe specifically.
A possible solution is to try to ascertain if this is a common scenario amongst others in similar situations, through the use of hypothetical generalisations.
Unfortunately, this backfired, and the actual point of my blog was overshadowed by the presentation of examples which were gross overgeneralisations and, whilst apparent in specific areas of the industry, was not necessarily the norm. Many who responded perceived that I was being quick to make widespread conclusions, whereas I was merely alluding to current circumstances, and trying to work out a solution to it.
So, instead, I shall pose another question. A broad one.
Libraries are unique systems. No two libraries are the same. Each exists in within a unique cultural setting, with unique demographics, and every team has differing skill sets.
Given this, to what extent do we look at evidence across the industry to determine performance standards and library policies. Is it even important to know how other libraries exercise best practice, or is it more important to focus specifically on one's own library in terms of its community's needs and the culture it exists in? Where else could we look to in establishing a model for one's own library?
