One of my biggest takeaways from exploring the “Learning Everywhere” module was that libraries are in a constant state of learning about new trends and experimenting with what trends would work well with their community. By doing this, library space and service will always evolve (Stephens, 2014) and may grow into something amazing, and adds unreplaceable value to the community. Some ways librarians can remain aware of the changing information environments:
Librarians need to look out for how information is being found and received in a new way, especially in these days when information can be easily misled or faked.
Some libraries are sharing information in a more immersive way such as VR, augmented reality, or even creating a “sensory playground” (Public Libraries Connect, 2018) where kids can explore their senses by playing sensory games and toys. By making more interactive environments (Greenwalt, 2013) in the library, patrons will become more connected to not only information, but their community and library as well.
Librarians can also survey their users and ask what they would like to see more of in the library.
I also found this video dating back to when San Jose Public libraries were starting to offer VR events. Here’s an event page describing their service.
I think this is one of the things I am excited about most for my future career, experimenting with different ideas and trends that could make the library more valuable for its community.
References
Greenwalt, R.T. (2013). Embracing the long game. https://publiclibrariesonline.org/2013/02/embracing/
Mercury News. (2017, August 12). Virtual reality makes its way to libraries. [YouTube Video]. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=riEK3vaLGFU
San Jose Public Library. (2025). Virtual Reality: Exploration & Experiences. https://sjpl.bibliocommons.com/events/676de63f59163a2f0036fb2c
Stephens, M. (2014). YLibrary:… Infinite Learning. https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/4zt1yliwb2ffzr8euix2p/YLibraryInfiniteLearning.pdf?rlkey=m0v6lkd43ufilkp5aktawhlpr&e=1&dl=0
Public libraries connect. (2018). SL Blogs- Sensory Spaces. https://plconnect.slq.qld.gov.au/blog/check-out-marsden-librarys-sensory-space