New Models/New Horizons Reflection
While contemplating the readings and resources for the past two modules on New Models and New Horizons, I decided to throw a question into our school-supported ChatGPT tool just to see what it would say. The question, “what will the public library of the future look like?” elicited an in-depth response that sounds like all the information offered in this course, lectures and links. The short version looks like this:
- Digital-First but Not Digital-Only (it emphasizes the human connection)
- Flexible Physical Spaces
- Learning and Skill Centers
- Community & Cultural Center
- Tech Integration & Accessibility
It followed up asking if I would like to see a rendering of what the future library might look like. Here is what it produced:
There is a lot that could be deconstructed from these images, not the least of which is the lack of diversity among the people.
ChatGPT’s summary says, “Future libraries will be platforms for opportunity, not just repositories of books. They’ll support digital equity, creativity, civic life, and lifelong learning, ensuring no one is left behind in an increasingly digital world.” (ChatGPT, n.d.)
Two library models really stood out to me in these last modules, Storyhouse in England and Anythink libraries in Colorado. The amount of foresight and inspiration that it must have taken to build these places and services is mind blowing.
Rangeview Library District rebranded to Anythink in 2009! (Anythink Libraries, 2016). I’m sorry to say that I never visited Anythink when I lived in Colorado. (Northeastern Colorado is kind of its own country, you kind of have to decide to go there.) I really liked the video of the “Get to Know Your Neighbor” couch conversations. What a wonderful idea! Storyhouse is a civic-minded hub of creativity of which the library is only a part. The spaces and programs are innovative and inspire community and connection. (Home | Storyhouse, n.d.)
These kinds of libraries remind us of the importance of a deeper understanding of the wants and needs, spoken and unspoken, of the communities we serve. Tapping into creative services, programs, and events on top of a well-planned infrastructure for facilitating information needs is the way to establishing a solid community-minded institution.
References:
Anythink Libraries (Director). (2016, December 21). Get To Know Your Neighbor [Video recording]. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rzLI-aqFzDQ
ChatGPT. (n.d.). Retrieved July 14, 2025, from https://chatgpt.com
Home | Storyhouse. (n.d.). Retrieved July 14, 2025, from https://www.storyhouse.com/
Becky,
What a lovely post. I love that you asked ChatGPT a question. I never even think to ask it anything, and yet people all around me chatter about it on the regular. I further enjoyed seeing what it produced to answer your question: pretty good! The rendering of the exterior reminded me of a building from the children’s movie, “The Incredibles.” And so goes our future: it’s incredible!
I, too, am gobsmacked by the creativity, thought, and dedication that has been given to new library constructions and reconstructions. They are absolutely amazing. They inspire me, and I truly hop to find myself working inside one of these temples to humanity…
All the best,
Elena
Thank you! My favorite ChatGPT question was “How do I clean a bathroom?” Because I never could figure out the best way to get started with that! It was thorough and very helpful!
I’d like to ask what advice was given but I think I should use this to do my very first ChatGPT… haha! ChatGPT is like a personal assistant/butler of sorts. I thought Alexa was intrusive, but I think I might find ChatGPT “useful.”
@bsteenburg a few things: I never thought to ask the GPT how to clean the bathroom and I really like what it generated for me when I asked.
Your images are interesting and I’ve had similar images come up that look like that that kind of have that computers on the tables. There’s a big monitor on the wall type thing usually a skylight what’s interesting is some of the graphics I have generated with GPT it has asked me specifically should the people in the image be more diverse? I thought that was very interesting.
I’m really glad you did this experiment both with the image and with what it told you about libraries. This is a super interesting and thought provoking post.
Hi @becky, I also thought it was a clever idea to begin with asking Chat GPT a question. I think that it’s interesting that it had emphasized human connection. I don’t think what it came up with is far-fetched. It seems like the direction the field is going to. Great post!