Exclusive Interview With Maine Policy Review Editors: Insights on Selection Processes and Expert Contributors
This interview discusses Maine Policy Review’s special issue on Maine libraries, highlighting the evolving challenges they face, such as funding, digital content access, book censorship, and their expanding role in social services. The editors share insights into the selection process, emphasizing contributions from various library professionals and national experts. Barbara Harrity and Joyce Rumery are coeditors of Maine Policy Review, with David Nutty as guest editor.
What inspired the theme for this special issue, and why is it particularly relevant now?
David: In 2013 MPR published a well-received special issue on Maine Libraries. The editors knew that much has changed in libraries in the last ten years, both in Maine and nationally. A new review of the state of Maine libraries was in order, but we did not want it to merely be an updating of the 2013 issue. This issue focuses more on the range of issues and challenges facing all libraries. With pressures of funding, changes in technology, book banning attempts in schools and public libraries and the changing set of services libraries are providing their communities, the time was right for an appraisal of library issues. As libraries are inherently tied to public policy decisions at the national, state and local level, MPR is an excellent forum for this discussion.
How does the theme align with the journal’s mission and goals?
Barbara: MPR’s aim is to provide timely, independent analysis of public policy issues affecting Maine and/or the region. Many articles in this issue discuss libraries’ roles (especially public libraries) as civic infrastructure and important public resources for community members needing access to and help with technology. We feel it is important to make more people aware of all the ways libraries improve the lives of Mainers.
What was the process like for selecting contributions to this special issue?
David: Both the MPR coeditor Joyce Rumery and guest editor David Nutty are experienced library professionals and are personally aware of the many issues in libraries. After a tentative list of topics was developed, a general call was made through various email lists and personal contacts, sharing the list of possible topics but also emphasizing the list was only examples and that we welcomed other topics and ideas. The process was very gratifying as many librarians stepped forward with proposals or to claim a topic. The editors wanted a person of national distinction for the Margaret Chase Smith Essay and made an initial approach such a person 18 months ago. We were pleased that the former Executive Director of the American Library Association, faculty member and thought leader Tracie Hall agreed to write the essay.
Can you share any behind-the-scenes insights into the editorial journey for this special issue?
Barbara: Librarians are extremely good at meeting deadlines and responding to requests. They are also very courteous.
Joyce: It was very helpful to have a knowledgeable guest editor. His knowledge of the work of individuals who could contribute helped make the issue well-rounded.
What types of voices, perspectives, or disciplines are represented in this issue?
David: The contributors represent all types of libraries including public, academic, school, special collections, and library consortiums. We also have three articles from staff and leaders of national library organizations. Most of the contributors are from the Maine library community, which is a statement about the vibrancy and engagement of Maine library staff members.
Are there any particular articles or features you’re especially excited about?
David: I am proud of all the articles and commentaries and it is hard to single out a few, but some that jump to mind are:
- Tracie Hall’s Margaret Chase Smith Essay “Don’t Know What You’ve Got Till It’s Gone” is a discussion of the state of public libraries in the US and UK. She warns that in both countries, various issues, although arising from different circumstances, have created a chilling effect on funding, with detrimental consequences for communities and users.
- Alan Inouye’s article “How Will We Ever Resolve the Library Digital Content Problem” suggesting that approaches libraries have taken to the publisher’s pricing and restrictive licensing models have failed in any meaningful way, putting tremendous pressures on content budgets and access. He suggests it is time to go back to basics.
- Furukawa, Scott and Treat’s article “We’re the Town’s Help Desk”: Social Work Creep in American’s Last Public Space” is about how today’s public library reference desk have become the de facto town help desk with citizens seeking assistance on a wide range of issues, some of it work traditionally provided by social workers and social services providers. The team’s survey of libraries provides valuable documentation that it is a trend at large to very small libraries in Maine and largely unrecognized by elected officials.
- Two articles on Libraries and Climate Change, one from a national organization, Sustainable Libraries, and the other from the Maine perspective.
- Sandra Durney’s research paper “Protecting the Freedom to Read in Maine” is an excellent survey of the history of book censorship and documentation of current challenges.
Barbara: An article on the importance of school libraries, by Tania Otero Martinez, reprinted from the Center for American Progress.
What do you hope readers will gain from engaging with this special issue?
David: For those who work and lead libraries, I hope they find the issue to be a thoughtful and a thought-provoking journey through many of the current issues facing libraries, not only in Maine but throughout the country. I also hope they choose to act on some of the suggestions our authors have for action items and policy promotion in their own libraries.
For the general reader, legislator and policy influencer/leader, I hope they come away with a sense of how libraries have changed and are far more than just a “nice service”, a place for books or to find a journal article. My hope is they see how libraries are a key part of the community with a vital role to play for our towns, cities, colleges and universities. They deserve the support equivalent to other services as a vital part of our communities.
Joyce: A deeper or new understanding of the importance of libraries in their municipalities, schools, hospitals, etc. And the need to continue to support those libraries.
Are there any upcoming events, webinars, or discussions planned around the launch of the special issue?
David: Getting the word out about the issue via the Maine Library Association, attending and perhaps doing a program at the Maine Library Association Annual Conference, Posting information about the issue to the Maine Library Listserve MeLibs, a press release to American Library Association
Joyce: Somehow encourage readers (librarians) to share with decision-makers (legislators, municipal leaders, administrators) the articles that may pertain to the issues they are facing. It would be gratifying if an article(s) helped make a change at the library level.