Game Theory and Libraries

An anonymous patron dropped by to share this mathematical tidbit: “Cool article on use of game theory in relation to libraries. Very original.”

March 17, 2004 by Uncategorized 3

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3 Responses

  1. GregS* says:
    March 17, 2004 at 9:18 pm

    Faulty Premise
    “On a daily basis we see users with technologies and skills that often exceed that of the library staff. The use of cell phones is a perfect example. This is widely used and accepted technology, but the response of libraries has been, in many cases, to limit the use of cell phones or ban their use completely.”

    Unless the technology in question increases access to knowledge its not a valid issue. As for cell phones, they smack against one of our core responsibilities in providing a suitable environment for learning.
    The idea that we should adjust policies and procedures to please specific individuals is a guaranteed way of making everyone unhappy as a whole.

    Reply
  2. Anonymous Patron says:
    March 17, 2004 at 9:42 pm

    Re:Faulty Premise
    I can pick up my cell phone, call anyone on the planet, and get information. Yes. Certainly fits my definition of a tool that doesn’t increase access to knowledge.
    The poster suggests that we should not “adjust our policies and procedures to please specific individuals” As libraries we do this all the time. There isn’t a library in this country, if they were being honest, that wouldn’t admit to altering, changing, or bending some policy at some time to suit their patrons. That’s sort of the point of the whole exercise isn’t it? I guess we could simply set up libraries, do what we want, and tell the patron to go to hell when they don’t like it, but, somehow, I just don’t think that’s an idea that’s going to catch on.
    As for the comment about cell phones: The poster seems to be suggesting that the only option we could consider is banning cell phones since their presence works against our “core responsibility” I thought our core responsibility was to SERVE OUR PATRONS. That includes adapting our procedures and way of doing things to encourage them to use the library. Why not, by this logic, just not have computers in the library? They make noise, cause distraction, might be used for something other than learning.
    I’m certain the poster means well in his comments, but, really, this is exactly the kind of attitude that is causing libraries to be empty while Barnes and Noble is overflowing with users. As libraries we need a new mantra:
    ADAPT OR DIE

    Karl Bridges
    (I’m too lazy to create an account)

    Reply
  3. ChuckB says:
    March 17, 2004 at 11:06 pm

    Re:Faulty Premise

    I’m inclined to agree with Karl Bridges. If loud yakking on the cell phone is a problem, address the yakking, not the cell phone. We would, after all, deal with someone yakking loudly to the person next to them, or playing music so loudly that it bothers others. I was taught in my reference class in library school that the phone as a bridge to knowledgeable people was a valuable reference tool. I still think my professor was right.

    Reply

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