Boyd Cycle Theory in the Context of Non-Cooperative Games: Implications for Libraries

The fundamental issue for survival in modern librarianship is adaptation. In the modern information environment the basic criteria that determines the success or failure of a library is the ability of the library staff to effectively adapt their policies and procedures to the needs of the user. On a daily basis we see users with technologies and skills that often exceed that of the library staff. The use of cell phones is a perfect example. This is widely used and accepted technology, but the response of libraries has been, in many cases, to limit the use of cell phones or ban their use completely. Cell phones are a symptom of a deeper problem – the inability of the library to adapt to change. In many cases, as most librarians will attest, libraries are woefully behind the curve.