Conversation with Dr. Carla Hayden: Library Services in Today’s World

By Wendy Bundy, Clarion University, PA

Former ALA President Courtney Young sat down with Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden to discuss various hot topics facing libraries today at the RUSA President’s Program on June 23. Conference attendees were eager to hear Hayden’s perspectives on library service in today’s world and what she thinks is most important for libraries and their staff moving forward. Hayden joked, “You can teach an old dog new tricks,” referring to veteran staff and how they need to embrace change.

Hayden sees libraries as a way to expose people to cultures and ideas they may not otherwise encounter. “Be the window to the world for people.” She urged librarians to be flexible and noted that one obstacle in the library world is the division that can sometimes occur between academic and public libraries. “This doesn’t have to be – and shouldn’t be – the case.”

People should feel history and have those “pinch-me moments” when exposed to documents and artifacts from the past. Hayden is striving to make this a reality for all people, noting that the Library of Congress is the people’s library. She is strongly advocating for digitalization in hopes to get more history and information to the people.

Quoting Frederick Douglass, Hayden stated, “Once you learn to read, you will be forever free.” Hayden often uses this quote to emphasize her point that people need access to information and reading material because it impacts society on a larger level.

Hayden said that librarians have been dubbed the original search engine and society is embracing the fact that they can gain information that has value and authority without judgment. “This is, in fact, one of the greatest arguments for libraries in the 21^st century.” Hayden urged the audience to use the Library of Congress as an extension of their service.

“Having pride in what you do, making it fun, and sharing that joy with others is what librarianship was built upon and [we] should continue to embrace,” concluded Hayden.

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