New public library CEO prioritizing community space, modernization
As libraries experience a “renaissance,” the Calgary Public Library’s new CEO has set his sights on being innovative in bridging the digital divide and creating free community spaces.
Mark Asberg worked in corporate libraries for much of his career until pursuing a job at Calgary Public Library five years ago.
His experience working in law and medical libraries did not compare to the community impact that his role as the public library’s director of service delivery did.
He loved seeing first-hand the importance of public libraries.
In his new position as CEO effective Sept. 1, Asberg said he will be furthering the work of former CEO Bill Ptacek, who tackled the challenge of modernizing the older libraries and reducing barriers for equal access.
As the demand for library space grows and changes, this will continue to be a challenge going forward.
“Certainly with respect to some of our older libraries that were built quite a while ago, those spaces were designed for a different kind of library service, and aren’t necessarily able to handle the kind of traffic and the kind of dynamic activity and different kinds of activity that are happening in the library all at the same time,” said Asberg.
Ptacek is credited with shaping Calgary’s modernized library system. He has been on medical leave and will be officially retiring from the position in the fall, according to Calgary Public Library.
A Library Foundation source confirmed Ptacek is retiring due to his battle with terminal cancer.
Asberg said he will continue to prioritize bridging the digital divide by providing equal access to virtual services and fresh spaces to learn and create.
The current economy isn’t in peak condition, but library services can “give people a leg up” in helping them succeed, according to Asberg.
“We really need to keep up with technology. There’s so much changing in terms of what’s available and what people expect from a website or virtual services generally. Our technology services — so access to computers, free printing and a wireless network — are things that sometimes we take for granted. But if you don’t have them, it’s really hard to really fulfil your potential in the community and any economy,” said Asberg.
The Central Library’s innovative services and architecture have done well in bringing foot traffic to the library system, and Asberg wants to see neighbourhood libraries become community hubs in the way the East Village building has.
“They are no longer just repositories of books or things like that because knowledge is disseminated and shared in so many different ways,” said Asberg.
“So, it’s a community hub where people can come to connect to information, but connect with each other as well.”
Asberg anticipates the recently updated Calgary Public Library website to become a virtual space that is valued as its 22nd location, serving its online community.