Being a good ancestor
April 18th, 2008, 7:52 pm Hobbies News
Rivkah is touring New Zealand outlining the challenges facing libraries worldwide in their quest to remain relevant to the communities they serve.
The theme of her talk revolved around not being afraid to take risks and to welcome new technology.
I am sure you would agree that librarians are not the first group that comes to mind when risk is talked about but she is correct, particularly about embracing new technology.
The future of libraries, as we know them, depends on this willingness to embrace new ideas. I would have to say that in my experience of the Gore District libraries, a willingness to take a risk is not an issue and following Rivkahs address I look forward, with some expectation and maybe just a little trepidation, to the requests that might be forthcoming.
Another point well made was the importance of the library as a communal space for expression and connection that spans all walks of life.
She is right, but more often than not that function is taken for granted.
It is obvious to those of us, shall we say of more mature years, just how insular we have become as a society.
Despite the fact we have access to all the communication gadgets in the world, we often struggle to talk face to face.
Rivkah also introduced a concept to her audience which to me seemed so obvious that I wonder why I hadnt heard it expressed this way before.
It was, that we should all be striving to be considered by future generations as having been %26quot;good ancestors%26quot;.
This is an ideal that should be foremost in the mind of elected members at both local and central government levels.
I think sadly that often the reverse is true with politics being what it is we end up managing with a very short term focus.
When I consider the things of lasting value that set the Gore District apart as a great place to build a home and family, what comes to mind are assets created by visionary men and women from the first pioneers through to the current crop. For example the extensive green space of gardens and recreation areas, the arts and heritage precinct and the great sporting facilities.
In their day all risky and controversial ventures but great investments none the less.
Its often convenient to consider that the status quo is as good as its going to get, and while we can boast facilities second-to-none in provincial New Zealand we cant rest on our laurels.
A rock group I spent a lot of time listening to in the 1970s was Jethro Tull and I am sure there are some who remember as fondly as I do one of their more successful songs, Living in the Past. The past can be a comfortable place to inhabit but it doesnt allow either todays or tomorrows challenges to be met.
We live in a great community in terms of physical facilities, infrastructure and great people but we do have some real and immediate challenges knocking at the front door, from a social perspective.
There is a growing section of our community becoming more disadvantaged in terms of earning and educational capacity and I see one, if not the biggest, challenge we face as a community is how thats addressed.
Its convenient to say, its not our fault or our responsibly.
Seeking a solution is not quite so easy.
However, I am sure with some clear and innovative thinking that a difference can and will be made bringing benefit to individuals and the wider community.
Being a good ancestor and influencing the future in a positive way means taking risks.
I hope we are up to it.
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