Librarian cites continual needs in age of Internet
Print Edition
SINIKKA Sipilä has worked with communities in the developing world for years — from Africa to Laos.
Having never been to Shanghai or China, she came last week in her role as president of the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) for the Shanghai International Library Forum.
Sipilä, from Finland, worked as a librarian and project coordinator at the SOMAFCO Education Center for South African refugees at Mazimbu, Tanzania, from 1991 to 1992. She’s also been was a library expert for a North-South-South project on libraries and sustainable development in Finland, the Philippines and Ghana for four years.
In 1998, she was involved as a library expert in a feasibility study in Laos conducted by the Finnish Ministry for Foreign Affairs.
Sipilä sat for an exclusive interview with Shanghai Daily, talking about how libraries are evolving to meet the needs of a rapidly changing world.
She noted how citizens, sectors and governments need to adapt in the Internet age, a question that is being considered in many contexts, with many voices around the world.
Q: What is the role of the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions?
A: We have 1,400 members covering 150 countries. Our role, in one sentence, is to be the global voice for libraries.
Q: Under the impact of the digital era, the number of visitors to the library decreased. What kind of role should libraries play today?
A: True. The number of visitors going to the library decreased especially in recent years, but the users of library sources on the Internet increased. I do think that people will need a space for concentration, study, to read books and other different activities. Today the role of a library is changing from archive.
Q: Since there is too much information on the Internet, what is the advantage of library information?
A: That’s quality. It’s the strong side of library information that you can trust. A sea of information on the Internet is not so secured. But the library information has been selected and estimated, and proved to be quality stuff.
Q: Do you think in the future the concrete building of a library will disappear and be replaced by an e-library?
A: I don’t think that libraries will disappear in the future. Both people and government want to keep that space. The government will spend money on libraries as a public service for society.
I also think it will be the place to help people to adapt to rapid changes in the digital movement, especially elderly people. For example, I was told that the librarians at Shanghai Library might teach the elderly people how to use the electric gadgets or give a suggested book list to those who want to write an essay in a specialized area. The public service provided by a library is another important function of the library.
Q: As you mentioned, library resources are more secured, but the patent of such resources is not so secured. How do you solve this issue?
A: I don’t know the situation in Shanghai. But in Finland, we have an e-catalogue which is not open to the public on the Internet. Library collections are not all that can be put onto the Internet.
Q: Due to the fast development of new technology, the requirements for library directors are changing. In your eyes, what kind of abilities should a library director have?
A: Today it is not easy to find a qualified library director. He or she must have a vision or be aware of what is going on. This is quite demanding.
The library director also needs management skills and to be a good leader, He should not be afraid of changes, but ready for the new changes.
Q: What’s the biggest challenge in your job?
A: I have a very busy schedule, as International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions is invited to attend many meetings and activities around the world. The situations in libraries are not the same, say in Asia, Africa or Europe.
Q: Is this your first trip to Shanghai?
A: This is my first trip in China, and I have only two days to stay in Shanghai. It is a wonderful city and I hope that I can have more time to see around the next time.
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