I realize they I have been writing less because I have less of an opportunity to read library literature outside my own research.

I stumbled across the ACRL Changing Roles of Academic and Research Libraries essay with some interest, and plan to read it later and give a more thoughtful response. And there is the reply by ACRL Vice President Julie Todaro to read as well.

One point I did notice quickly when skimming:

Second, the culture of libraries and their staff must proceed beyond a mindset primarily of ownership and control to one that seeks to provide service and guidance in more useful ways, helping users find and use information that may be available through a range of providers, including libraries themselves, in electronic format.

The fact that librarians are there to help users–it seems to not have penetrated a few of the libraries I have visited. Far from me to comment in detail while I am still affiliated with these libraries, but I will say that I have been to libraries where people, not books, are at the heart of the institution, and it is so refreshing.

In opposed to the attitude I have seen at other places, where you feel guilty asking the librarian a question because you feel like you are taking their precious time away from more important things.

It is so strange to me, because the librarians I meet at school–both students and instructors–and on the Internet seem to love their jobs and take passion in their work. It just seems that many I have met through interaction as a patron have not. I will say I have not been to a lot of universities, so as I travel more hopefully I can get a different picture.