Public libraries and gray literature

If there's anything I've learned from this class, it's that there's no part of collection development (and libraries) that hasn't been affected in one way or another by "disruptive innovations." This week we discussed "gray literature" (conference and technical papers and other prose that haven't undergone peer review) and how librarians and collection developers should respond to these forms of information. I decided to see what's going on at my local public library in Durango, Colorado.

Most public libraries store local history collections or archives that preserve local documents and non-print materials, such as costumes and other physical objects. Our public library is no different. The library's "gray literature" includes technical papers relating to the recent construction of a nearby dam, photos of Durango at different times, and a model train set of the town's historic train that still runs and attracts tourists from all over the world. To the best of my knowledge, the public library has not digitized any of these sources. The Colorado Digitization Project (linked on the library homepage) contains regional historic images and a blog for digital and preservation activities. Perhaps one reason why the public library hasn't digitized these sources yet is due to the current tight financial situation. Maybe the library wants to avoid duplicating services with the local college's Center for Southwest Studies, which has a large archival collection of local materials.

I think that librarries have both an obligation to preserve gray literature and an opportunity to serve patrons better. Most public libraries do a good job of keeping up with new technology- they've replaced VHS titles with DVDs and now offer eBooks. Public libraries stand apart from other libraries in that they preserve some form of the local heritage; digital preservation would enhance access to the public. Public libraries can start with simple objects like photos of the train and move up to more complex documents like blogs of city officials and public papers. After all, memories come from all things great and small.

TS