What is the future of libraries if they are known to adapt and change with the needs of their communities? It seems to start with a redefinition and reevaluation of what libraries can do that best serves their communities.
Eric Klinenberg caught my attention with his response about cities who don’t understand the investment into making libraries accessible. “I think it’s because too many cities are led by people who don’t recognize the enduring value of libraries. Too many American elites – in policy, business, and, philanthropy – see them as luxuries, rather than as critical social infrastructures” (Gaetani, 2018). Perhaps when you look at some impressive examples like historical libraries, or the libraries that win the Public Library of the Year Award, you might see a library as a luxury. But, it’s true that the best direction for a library is in the hands of those who have its importance in mind. Pam Sandlian Smith (TEDx Talks, 2013) spoke of how Adams County had the poorest library system until the community voted to increase funding in 2006, leading to the expansion of seven libraries. I want to look into these international libraries more to see what characteristics they embraced that made their organizations be truly loved and recognized for their efforts.
One thing is for sure when it comes to the future of libraries and our world with them: we must observe it alongside the present, because it’s arriving at our doorstep faster than ever. In the Pew Research Center’s forecast of 2025, it is stated that the new normal of “tele-everything” in our regular life will come with pros and cons. Humans value convenience and safety, which explains why we flock to technology that makes our lives easier. However, this will come with its fair share of downsides, such as risks to the safety and integrity of information, and the physical and mental effects of absorbing so much information daily (Anderson et al., 2021). Such factors will need to be considered when planning for the future of libraries and emerging community needs. The organization of a library requires awareness of the world around us, and how those trends and current events can affect us on a local scale. Technology is bringing us together in more ways than we can count!
References:
Anderson, J., Rainie, L., & Vogels, E. (2021, February 18). Experts say the ‘new normal’ in 2025 will be far more tech-driven, presenting more big challenges. Pew Research Center. https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2021/02/18/experts-say-the-new-normal-in-2025-will-be-far-more-tech-driven-presenting-more-big-challenges/
Gaetani, M. (2018, November 11). Libraries and Social Infrastructure. https://casbs.stanford.edu/news/qa-eric-klinenberg
TEDx Talks. (2013, December 16). What to expect from libraries in the 21st century: Pam Sandlian Smith at TEDxMileHigh [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fa6ERdxyYdo