This document outlines Michel Steen-Hansen's presentation about political advocacy for libraries in Denmark. It discusses the Danish Library Association's role in influencing politicians and promoting libraries. Some key points are: - The Danish Library Association works to define the modern library and lobby politicians to understand the costs associated with new services and digital resources. - Challenges for libraries include integrating services into daily life, developing new user-driven services, and making offerings relevant to all populations. - Examples of library services outlined include eResources, lifelong learning programs, and outreach initiatives to meet community needs. - Advocacy efforts include promoting libraries' role in digital literacy and ensuring all citizens can access and use digital

1. Redefining the Library in political context Michel Steen-Hansen Director of The Danish Library Association www.dbf.dk

2. Presentation Outline Introduction of myself A bit about me A bit about Denmark and libraries in historic context What started it all the Danish Library Association's history How an organization can exhert political influence ex. the Danish Library Association building Challenges (for the organization and the Libraries) Future Trends and developments

3. Redefining the Library in political context How to make the political decision-makers understand, promote and finance these changes. Michel Steen-Hansen Director of The Danish Library Associationmsh@dbf.dk www.dbf.dk

4. Short introduction DLA ( the Danish Library Association) has a special association structure of local politicians as well as library professionals on the Council. Issue: what degree of political consensus is needed in this kind of organizational setup?

5. What is the meaning ? In other words How do we define the modern library? Why is it so expensive to run modern libraries? How can we make politicians understand the new definition of the modern library and the cost of running it? And why is the library chancing character?

6. The challenges today Whatare the major challengesfacinglibraries in the modernknowledge society and the programs wefocusingon?

7. But first…. ….a littleaboutme Michel Steen-Hansen Director of The Danish Library Association from December 2008 Master of Science (history and geography) Roskilde University Former : Director for Slagelse Library Head of a historical archivein Ringsted Chairman of Denmark's archiveorganization

8. Free of charge In Denmark almost all the Libraries are funded by tax. We have 98 municipalities and all of them are obligated, by legislation, to have a library andto finance it. In Denmark there is free and equal access to the libraries, meaning that basic service must be free of charge for the public.

9. It seems that development lead to fewer and fewer libraries, but bigger and better libraries………..I hope! Kilde: Styrelsen for Bibliotek og Medier

10. The Book Bus A example from Ringsted in 2000

12. Library in Ringsted1920

14. You are welcome at the library

15. Don’t forget us We have to explain who we are, if we want the politicians to remember and understand the modern library

16. Bringing the libraries onto the political agenda

17. New library act in Denmark 18 May 2000

18. Library Association structure The Danish Library Association is organized on the basis of a number of local associations working on regional level. These local associations elect representatives to the Council of the National association. The Council elects from within its members, an Executive Committee with ten members including a President, who is always a politician, and two vice presidents (one of them is a library professional)

19. DLA Organisation

21. Library decision makers and professionals as well as library associations and – institutions

22. Other cultural associations

24. To further the development of Danish libraries – in particular the public libraries

25. To influence and stimulate library development through lobbying and political work – nationally and locally

27. Secure its members influence on library development issues

29. Membership 2008

30. How does DLA work www.dbf.dk

32. Raising awareness and debate on relevant matters

33. DB Annual Meeting – is the meeting place for politicians and the public library sector

34. National and regional library conferences on hot topics

35. Carrying out, initiating and participating in library projects and surveys

36. Participating in official hearings/central committees nationally and internationallyHow does DLA work Annual Meeting 2009

37. Challenges Support transformation of Yesterday’s Library to The 21st Century LIBRARY (physical and digital) Make politically approved library strategies on a National and Local level Focus on the Local Government and the local election in 2009

38. A policy should guide us between two extremes UTOPIA –ITC is exploited to createthe ultimate library:integrated access toknowledge, culture andsupport in the daily lives of all citizens… DYSTOPIA – Libraries cannot pay prices on download of copyrightedmaterial – access becomesrestricted along with digitalmonopolies. Digital dividewidens and social tensiongrow

40. Develop a vision for the ’new public library’

41. Create strategies on a local, national and European level (and global perhaps?)

42. Run projects with new services

43. Take the library out to where people are now

44. Build partnerships and

46. Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs Chart Traditional Modern Self- Actualization Esteem Needs Social Needs Safety Needs Physiological Needs

48. more than just books

49. developedtogetherwithusers

50. contributes to the knowledge society

52. Social technologies are entering the library

53. User driven innovation is a must

54. The library space is becoming the medium –users define it

55. New public value and a new commitment to serve all kinds of users

56. Lifelong learning and promotion of various literacy programmes

58. Three major challenges for the library Integrate library services in daily lives of citizens Develop new services from user driven innovation Reach out with offers relevant to the whole population

59. Integrate library services in daily life relevant e-content – journals, e-books, music, films, multimedia,computer-games on a 24/7 basis download should be permitted to relevant platforms: pc’s, reader devices like Kindl, Ipods, cell-phones …. The library space – the third place – should offer lifelong learning opportunities, cultural experience, inspiration & involvement

60. Examples of films under a MPLC Umbrella License DLA had made

61. Present new services- user driven innovation Literacy programs, lifelong learning, e-learning, workshops, bookclubs job applications, coping withnew technology, meet theartist, maintain yourmotorbike, garden, house….. love, dating at the internet ….and much, much, more

63. Reach out- relevant offers to the entire population Think in terms of public service Work systematically with new partnerships and varied offers to all segments Meet people where they are: on the web, in their homes, in schools, on the job, in the club, at the concert or the football match

64. 'Learn more about IT' We want to: place the library as the institution that ensures that all citizens can get the necessary confidence and skills to exploit the digital opportunities actively work to make citizens aware of many digital self service solutions through education, reduce the IT knowledge gap between parents and children raise awareness of IT as a necessary competence for the continued development of Denmark as a democratic society

66. Book Start helps children The children get a book package four times When the child is six and 12 months, the library visits the families at home. When the child is 18 months, the family are invited to collect a book package at the library By the child's third birthday, provides an book package in association with daycare in the local area. Libraries organize language stimulation activities for children and give inspiration to parents about children's language and reading.

67. Book start in Slagelse Kirsten Slot Larsen og Arne LarsenEmployees from Slagelse Libraries Bags with logo.You need to recognize the employees from Slagelse libraries

68. Ammunition for the campaign -in the municipalities Fortælle hvad Bibliotekerne kan

69. I hope I made my point of the importance of working politically And creating a new definition for what the modern library is if we still want the politicians and the public recognition and support we need to put Libraries to the political agenda

70. BringingLibraries On the agenda - Let’s do it together ! Michel Steen-Hansen www.dbf.dk

71. See the Movie See You in DENMARK! Msh@dbf.dk Black Diamond/The Royal Library Multimediahous in Århus

72. Chicago Public Library

74. See You in DENMARK! dbf@dbf.dk Remarkable Danish library buildings and projects clockwise from top-left: Black Diamond/The Royal Library Naerum Gymnasium Library Middelfart ”KulturØen” PL + Experimental Search/ Aarhus PLHjoerring Experience PL