Shifting the Library Paradigm: The Role of Cultural Intelligence on Tomorrow

Abstract

This paper explores the role of cultural intelligence within libraries. Presentations were given by David Turnbull and David Wescombe-Down. David Turnbull defined culture and cultural change and discussed the importance of cultural intelligence for theological librarians. David Wescombe-Down continued the discussion and focused on the importance of coping with change and the need for effective communication to manage change correctly within an organization. To gain an understanding of cultural intelligence within a library setting, Oksana Feklistova and Katrina Dal Lago, facilitated a discussion with conference participants using case studies relating to generational and technological change and consumer culture. The participants discussed the case studies in small groups and answers were shared amongst all participants. The two following papers explore the ethnic perspective of multiculturalism, Gavin Glenn from Camden Theological Library in New South Wales, and Judith Bright from John Kinder Theological Library in New Zealand. Gavin and Judith discussed their experiences within the context of their libraries.