WEBVTT NOTE Created by CaptionSync from Automatic Sync Technologies www.automaticsync.com 00:00:00.116 --> 00:00:03.756 align:middle >> I am very honored to be participating in the acknowledgement 00:00:03.756 --> 00:00:09.146 align:middle of such a significant achievement by the graduating class of 2017 today. 00:00:09.716 --> 00:00:13.736 align:middle I've attended many convocation ceremonies in my life, but I have to tell you, 00:00:14.056 --> 00:00:19.246 align:middle this is the first time I've balanced this mortar board on top of headsets. 00:00:19.246 --> 00:00:25.346 align:middle So once again, SJSU's iSchool paves the way for innovation across higher education. 00:00:25.436 --> 00:00:33.776 align:middle Brava. Dean Sutton, Professor Hirsh, iSchool faculty, honored guests, and most importantly, 00:00:33.776 --> 00:00:38.706 align:middle the members of the Class of 2017, it is a sincere pleasure to share 00:00:38.706 --> 00:00:43.836 align:middle with you a few comments about the profession in which I wish you will enjoy a very long, 00:00:44.106 --> 00:00:46.226 align:middle inspiring, and gratifying career. 00:00:46.306 --> 00:00:52.796 align:middle I spent time looking at your profiles on the convocation site, and I see not surprisingly, 00:00:53.126 --> 00:00:57.966 align:middle your interests are varied and the paths you have chosen to pursue are just as diverse. 00:00:58.556 --> 00:01:03.146 align:middle In my remarks today, I hope each of you will find a common thread that resonates 00:01:03.146 --> 00:01:08.256 align:middle across your multifaceted experiences and your multidimensional aspirations. 00:01:09.286 --> 00:01:13.016 align:middle If I were a betting woman, I'd lay money on a common theme ringing 00:01:13.016 --> 00:01:16.036 align:middle across iSchool convocation addresses this spring. 00:01:16.766 --> 00:01:18.986 align:middle Unfortunately, it's not a new question. 00:01:19.266 --> 00:01:22.546 align:middle It's one that has been asked ever since in entered the profession 00:01:22.546 --> 00:01:26.426 align:middle and probably long before that, albeit for slightly different reasons from today. 00:01:27.366 --> 00:01:31.336 align:middle When I became a junior high teacher librarian, it was clearly the dark ages. 00:01:31.806 --> 00:01:36.986 align:middle We had no idea what was to come with the dawn of the internet and the ensuing digital age, 00:01:37.356 --> 00:01:38.986 align:middle but the question was still asked. 00:01:38.986 --> 00:01:40.216 align:middle Why do we need libraries? 00:01:40.536 --> 00:01:41.966 align:middle Why do we need librarians? 00:01:42.926 --> 00:01:48.536 align:middle Nearly 40 years later, many school libraries are on life support, if not already laid to rest. 00:01:48.746 --> 00:01:53.686 align:middle While others are alive and well, thriving as proactive educational partners, 00:01:54.186 --> 00:01:58.466 align:middle clearly there have been multiple answers to that all-important question. 00:01:59.216 --> 00:02:03.666 align:middle Today my context at the Harvard Business School is quite a bit different from my days 00:02:03.666 --> 00:02:05.906 align:middle in a school library in Winnipeg, Manitoba. 00:02:06.046 --> 00:02:10.136 align:middle But even though I'm now speaking from an academic research library, 00:02:10.136 --> 00:02:14.616 align:middle where one might think libraries are just a given, the question persists. 00:02:14.986 --> 00:02:18.296 align:middle With Google, why do I need a library anymore? 00:02:18.946 --> 00:02:23.816 align:middle It's a question I'm asked by my alumni, increasingly by our students, 00:02:23.816 --> 00:02:25.966 align:middle and sadly, even by some of our faculty. 00:02:27.096 --> 00:02:28.886 align:middle My answer is always very straightforward. 00:02:29.606 --> 00:02:32.676 align:middle I always deliver it with a lot of passion and conviction. 00:02:33.006 --> 00:02:36.356 align:middle But I wish it were as concise as my parents' favorite response 00:02:36.356 --> 00:02:38.526 align:middle to my endless questions of why? 00:02:39.836 --> 00:02:42.656 align:middle Their often exasperated "because I said so!" 00:02:42.656 --> 00:02:44.146 align:middle was the stock answer. 00:02:44.146 --> 00:02:45.306 align:middle Do you remember that one? 00:02:45.306 --> 00:02:46.116 align:middle Ever heard that? 00:02:46.576 --> 00:02:47.856 align:middle Maddening, right? 00:02:48.056 --> 00:02:54.806 align:middle But now, up the ante few notches from the 13 year old asking why her allowance wasn't 00:02:54.806 --> 00:02:58.506 align:middle increasing at the rate of inflation to alumni donors wanting 00:02:58.506 --> 00:03:02.626 align:middle to know why they should contribute to an archaic institution called library, 00:03:02.786 --> 00:03:05.956 align:middle when they believe the world of information is just at their fingertips. 00:03:06.566 --> 00:03:07.556 align:middle Because I said so. 00:03:08.216 --> 00:03:10.476 align:middle Hm, well that's not very satisfying. 00:03:10.836 --> 00:03:12.436 align:middle It's definitely not convincing. 00:03:12.716 --> 00:03:17.286 align:middle And in fact, it probably creates more skepticism, a new win situation. 00:03:17.516 --> 00:03:21.646 align:middle And as you might rightfully point out, a career limiting move on my part. 00:03:22.426 --> 00:03:24.126 align:middle So what is the answer, then? 00:03:24.536 --> 00:03:26.006 align:middle Why do we need libraries? 00:03:27.146 --> 00:03:30.796 align:middle In my opinion, libraries and the wide range of professionals who work 00:03:30.796 --> 00:03:32.846 align:middle in them are more important than ever before. 00:03:33.636 --> 00:03:40.866 align:middle With the increasing volume and velocity at which information is created, even an old age adage 00:03:40.866 --> 00:03:47.096 align:middle like drinking from a firehose doesn't come close to describing the seemingly limitless world 00:03:47.226 --> 00:03:51.996 align:middle of information, the equally daunting number of ways to serve it up, 00:03:51.996 --> 00:03:55.916 align:middle and people's insatiable appetites to consume it. 00:03:55.916 --> 00:04:01.746 align:middle And given that the Oxford Dictionary's "Word of the Year" for 2016 was "post-truth." 00:04:02.306 --> 00:04:07.396 align:middle The need for easy access to relevant, authoritative, and timely information, 00:04:07.606 --> 00:04:11.016 align:middle as well as the ability to sort through an equally growing volume 00:04:11.016 --> 00:04:14.296 align:middle of misinformation, has never been more important. 00:04:14.746 --> 00:04:19.816 align:middle An informed citizenry demands libraries and librarians. 00:04:20.246 --> 00:04:22.546 align:middle But that's my opinion. 00:04:23.396 --> 00:04:27.756 align:middle And while it's probably a credible statement, it's really not a very good answer. 00:04:28.276 --> 00:04:31.806 align:middle Frankly, it has no real meaning to most users. 00:04:32.206 --> 00:04:33.166 align:middle It's not personal. 00:04:33.716 --> 00:04:36.786 align:middle It doesn't tie to the specific needs of a given individual. 00:04:37.836 --> 00:04:44.036 align:middle Speaking from experience, I can assure you that this answer, my insightful, fact-based, 00:04:44.036 --> 00:04:50.456 align:middle 50,000 level opinion, produces some pretty impressive eye rolling and polite replies. 00:04:50.956 --> 00:04:52.826 align:middle Really, how interesting. 00:04:53.266 --> 00:04:56.166 align:middle I'm afraid I'm late for my favorite dental appointment. 00:04:56.476 --> 00:04:58.366 align:middle It can clear a room in no time. 00:04:58.906 --> 00:05:03.236 align:middle I think the answer actually lies in another short response. 00:05:03.816 --> 00:05:09.426 align:middle My parents' second favorite choice when replying to my constant questioning about why. 00:05:10.756 --> 00:05:11.576 align:middle It depends. 00:05:12.186 --> 00:05:18.536 align:middle It depends is a perfect answer because there is no one answer, there is no one right answer 00:05:18.716 --> 00:05:21.836 align:middle to our all-consuming question of why libraries? 00:05:22.206 --> 00:05:23.186 align:middle Why librarians? 00:05:23.526 --> 00:05:25.226 align:middle Why information professionals? 00:05:26.406 --> 00:05:30.426 align:middle The range of possible answers is only limited by the number of people involved 00:05:30.426 --> 00:05:35.346 align:middle in assessing the value created by their experience with the library, with the librarian, 00:05:35.766 --> 00:05:38.836 align:middle multiplied by factors influencing that situation, 00:05:39.156 --> 00:05:43.156 align:middle that person, that particular point in time. 00:05:43.156 --> 00:05:47.736 align:middle In other words, value is very personal, if not a temporal state. 00:05:48.346 --> 00:05:54.356 align:middle The bottom line, which we all agree is a firm grasp on the obvious, is the value is relative. 00:05:54.926 --> 00:05:56.496 align:middle It's subjective. 00:05:56.496 --> 00:05:59.166 align:middle And like beauty, it's in the eye of the beholder. 00:06:00.206 --> 00:06:04.946 align:middle In an industry that is evolving at the pace of ours and with disruption happening 00:06:04.946 --> 00:06:09.856 align:middle at so many levels, information professionals, especially those working in libraries, 00:06:09.856 --> 00:06:13.906 align:middle must constantly ask the question what's my value proposition? 00:06:14.476 --> 00:06:18.996 align:middle What value do I create for my users, my customers, my organizations? 00:06:19.526 --> 00:06:22.576 align:middle In asking these questions, I think you'll find the answer. 00:06:23.006 --> 00:06:26.836 align:middle But let me tell you a story to illustrate my point. 00:06:26.836 --> 00:06:30.996 align:middle During my first budget meeting with my dean, Nitin Nohria, I outlined a strategy 00:06:30.996 --> 00:06:34.106 align:middle for building the next generation academic research library. 00:06:34.766 --> 00:06:39.466 align:middle Baker 3.0 would scour through networked information with federated search 00:06:39.466 --> 00:06:41.756 align:middle across multiple repositories on campus. 00:06:41.756 --> 00:06:47.536 align:middle It would deliver unique insights by our fabulous team of expert business researchers working 00:06:47.536 --> 00:06:50.036 align:middle with our unparalleled collections. 00:06:50.036 --> 00:06:54.716 align:middle And serve up insightful findings via any channel our community wanted to use. 00:06:55.376 --> 00:06:57.996 align:middle We would disseminate our faculty's research globally, 00:06:58.126 --> 00:07:01.726 align:middle give our student population a competitive advantage in their market, 00:07:01.776 --> 00:07:07.276 align:middle in their job market search, become an invaluable resource to our alumni, and make the dean proud 00:07:07.276 --> 00:07:11.296 align:middle of this iconic institution that is both the physical 00:07:11.296 --> 00:07:14.086 align:middle and intellectual heart of the HBS campus. 00:07:14.646 --> 00:07:19.496 align:middle To help him see this vision, we produced a three minute take-off on Mission Impossible, 00:07:20.126 --> 00:07:22.196 align:middle which we renamed Mission Possible. 00:07:22.916 --> 00:07:27.756 align:middle We were complete with a Studio Searchlight introduction, film industry rating, 00:07:27.926 --> 00:07:29.746 align:middle and Mission Impossible theme song. 00:07:29.936 --> 00:07:33.176 align:middle Our executive dean contacted us by smartphone 00:07:33.616 --> 00:07:37.156 align:middle with the latest mission, should we decide to accept it. 00:07:37.296 --> 00:07:42.186 align:middle The result of our rather unusual presentation was the dean not only approved our budget, 00:07:42.226 --> 00:07:47.786 align:middle he also funded a new staff position to explore ways that we could leverage the disruption all 00:07:47.786 --> 00:07:52.966 align:middle around us, innovate an area that would produce the most value for the HBS community, 00:07:52.966 --> 00:07:55.826 align:middle and generate revenue to fund our own innovation. 00:07:55.916 --> 00:08:02.056 align:middle It was clear that Baker 3.0 required investment, and he wanted us to have some skin in that game. 00:08:02.816 --> 00:08:05.056 align:middle Flash forward now four years. 00:08:05.626 --> 00:08:08.916 align:middle We're nearly 2/3 through our second series of funding. 00:08:09.346 --> 00:08:14.496 align:middle We've created a whole new group called Baker for Business, or B for B, that offers archival 00:08:14.496 --> 00:08:19.336 align:middle and research services to our alumni, licenses library content, 00:08:19.336 --> 00:08:22.486 align:middle and provides information products to Harvard Business Publishing. 00:08:22.816 --> 00:08:28.256 align:middle We're heading in the right direction, but it's taking longer than project to reach our targets. 00:08:29.006 --> 00:08:30.776 align:middle We need more time to reach our goals. 00:08:31.176 --> 00:08:36.076 align:middle So to ensure that we stay focused and not lose momentum, in this year's budget discussion, 00:08:36.136 --> 00:08:39.566 align:middle I asked the dean for an early decision to extend the B 00:08:39.566 --> 00:08:42.296 align:middle for B funding now rather than wait another year. 00:08:43.286 --> 00:08:47.426 align:middle My presentation was less dramatic and more focused on results, not futures. 00:08:47.756 --> 00:08:52.926 align:middle The range of alumni research needs met, the global influence of our product distribution, 00:08:53.176 --> 00:08:57.006 align:middle the cost avoidance achieved in other HBS business units, 00:08:57.146 --> 00:08:59.396 align:middle and the revenue line heading in the right direction. 00:08:59.576 --> 00:09:02.496 align:middle A total no brainer in my estimation. 00:09:02.916 --> 00:09:06.806 align:middle Limited risk, minimum investment, maximum return. 00:09:07.476 --> 00:09:12.166 align:middle Doesn't take an MBA to realize that the B for B service should be extended, 00:09:12.426 --> 00:09:14.626 align:middle the prototypes should go into full production, 00:09:14.806 --> 00:09:19.006 align:middle and the staff should continue to work full steam ahead. 00:09:19.006 --> 00:09:23.466 align:middle Although a no brainer in my mind, the dean decided that he wanted to wait 00:09:23.466 --> 00:09:28.286 align:middle until next year's Q1 results were in and revisit the project's extension then. 00:09:28.486 --> 00:09:32.406 align:middle He was delighted with our progress, but with competing priorities, 00:09:32.406 --> 00:09:35.076 align:middle he wanted to take a more conservative stance. 00:09:35.076 --> 00:09:39.756 align:middle His answer to my question was to wait, to revisit it in September. 00:09:40.736 --> 00:09:45.616 align:middle I can't tell you how disappointed I was, but I can tell you his decision smartened me up. 00:09:46.166 --> 00:09:48.286 align:middle I realized I'd made a big mistake. 00:09:48.566 --> 00:09:52.256 align:middle First and foremost, there's no such thing as a no-brainer. 00:09:53.276 --> 00:09:58.036 align:middle Every question needs a thorough answer, a clear description of the value created. 00:09:58.556 --> 00:10:03.716 align:middle And while the dean is a fabulous separator of Baker Library's work, I misjudged the need 00:10:03.826 --> 00:10:07.446 align:middle for stating our case in terms of the value we created for him. 00:10:08.236 --> 00:10:12.966 align:middle I underutilized our incredibly satisfied customers and HBS partners as well. 00:10:13.786 --> 00:10:19.646 align:middle Sure, I had glowing testimonials, I even had our net promoter score of excellent emblazoned 00:10:19.646 --> 00:10:24.296 align:middle across our presentation material, but I missed the opportunity to say why 00:10:24.296 --> 00:10:27.046 align:middle that satisfaction mattered to him. 00:10:27.106 --> 00:10:30.766 align:middle How this investment helped him achieve his objectives. 00:10:30.766 --> 00:10:35.406 align:middle I didn't make the value personal enough to get the answer I wanted. 00:10:35.766 --> 00:10:38.186 align:middle I stayed at the 50,000 foot level. 00:10:40.436 --> 00:10:43.446 align:middle Heaven knows, there's probably a much longer list of mistakes I made, 00:10:43.636 --> 00:10:48.886 align:middle but the good news is it caused us to rethink our strategy, to more clearly state the case 00:10:48.886 --> 00:10:54.196 align:middle for the value we created based on the dean's objectives, what the results meant to him. 00:10:55.446 --> 00:10:58.066 align:middle Back to our question, why do we need libraries? 00:10:58.576 --> 00:11:01.066 align:middle The answer truly is it depends. 00:11:01.866 --> 00:11:05.106 align:middle Somewhere my parents are smiling, perhaps they're rolling their eyes 00:11:05.106 --> 00:11:06.596 align:middle to what they thought was a no-brainer. 00:11:07.016 --> 00:11:10.706 align:middle It took her a while, but perhaps she finally got it. 00:11:10.706 --> 00:11:14.536 align:middle As information professionals, our jobs are hugely impactful. 00:11:15.036 --> 00:11:20.386 align:middle We create an enormous amount of value every day for countless people and organizations. 00:11:21.026 --> 00:11:25.906 align:middle We might create values through telling a story to a child, or providing information 00:11:25.906 --> 00:11:28.306 align:middle on which a life-saving decision depends. 00:11:28.526 --> 00:11:32.606 align:middle But we can't answer the question of our value from 50,000 feet. 00:11:32.716 --> 00:11:38.046 align:middle It needs to be personal and situational, offering a standard answer, 00:11:38.366 --> 00:11:41.936 align:middle even if it's a valid statement, will surely fall on deaf ears. 00:11:42.466 --> 00:11:47.146 align:middle You must build your answer, your value stack, one brick at a time. 00:11:48.206 --> 00:11:50.356 align:middle What's the conclusion to my story? 00:11:50.866 --> 00:11:52.896 align:middle Are you wondering how it turned out? 00:11:52.896 --> 00:11:55.716 align:middle Well, like any good miniseries, I'll leave you with a cliffhanger. 00:11:56.256 --> 00:11:58.996 align:middle Check back in the fall, and I'll let you know about our success. 00:12:00.566 --> 00:12:01.876 align:middle The world is your oyster. 00:12:02.046 --> 00:12:03.886 align:middle Your degree will open many doors. 00:12:04.326 --> 00:12:07.236 align:middle Your new knowledge and skills will arm you with the capacity 00:12:07.236 --> 00:12:11.276 align:middle to tackle opportunities and challenges old and new. 00:12:12.156 --> 00:12:15.786 align:middle Your ability to think critically and strategically will enable you 00:12:15.786 --> 00:12:17.436 align:middle to make a difference in your world. 00:12:17.796 --> 00:12:23.456 align:middle And your creation for creating value, for answering the question why do we need libraries, 00:12:23.666 --> 00:12:28.236 align:middle will be one of the most significant contributions not only to your user community 00:12:28.236 --> 00:12:33.276 align:middle and colleagues, but also to the next generation of information professionals who follow you. 00:12:34.206 --> 00:12:38.026 align:middle Stakeholders of all kinds, users, customers, administrators, 00:12:38.026 --> 00:12:41.706 align:middle and even your colleagues will continue to ask you to add value, 00:12:41.706 --> 00:12:44.346 align:middle to be relevant, to meet their needs. 00:12:44.976 --> 00:12:49.536 align:middle Whether they ask you to question directly or just let it simmer internally, 00:12:49.986 --> 00:12:56.316 align:middle every opportunity you can to create value, to make libraries relevant in this digital age, 00:12:56.596 --> 00:12:59.726 align:middle moves the needle one more notch for all of us. 00:13:00.916 --> 00:13:02.386 align:middle Today is your moment in the sun. 00:13:02.976 --> 00:13:06.016 align:middle Take time to bask in your incredible accomplishment. 00:13:06.016 --> 00:13:07.806 align:middle Congratulate one another. 00:13:08.246 --> 00:13:13.076 align:middle And thank all of those who supported you and what may at times seemed like an endless quest. 00:13:13.926 --> 00:13:15.076 align:middle Recharge your batteries. 00:13:15.506 --> 00:13:19.596 align:middle But phone fasten your seatbelts, and get ready for that proverbial bumpy ride 00:13:19.596 --> 00:13:21.246 align:middle that Bette Davis told us all about. 00:13:22.126 --> 00:13:25.316 align:middle No matter the path you've chosen as an information professional, 00:13:25.816 --> 00:13:27.946 align:middle you have an incredibly exciting career ahead of you. 00:13:28.076 --> 00:13:31.276 align:middle This is not a profession for the faint of heart. 00:13:31.766 --> 00:13:34.486 align:middle But I assure you, if you are open to it, 00:13:34.486 --> 00:13:37.886 align:middle you will find it an incredibly satisfying and rewarding choice. 00:13:38.826 --> 00:13:42.496 align:middle Once again, my sincerest congratulations. 00:13:42.556 --> 00:13:47.276 align:middle I warmly wish you the best in this amazing world of information. 00:13:47.696 --> 00:13:53.416 align:middle I think it's appropriate to end with Max's words as he was crowned king of the wild things. 00:13:53.886 --> 00:13:55.216 align:middle Do you know it? 00:13:55.216 --> 00:13:56.726 align:middle Any Sendak fans out there? 00:13:57.496 --> 00:13:59.576 align:middle "Let the wild rumpus start." 00:14:00.086 --> 00:14:00.456 align:middle Thank you.