Reading Report 10/7

The ‘library of the future’ begins to emerge

This article talked about the digital revolution and the impact that it is having on today’s libraries. Because information is so readily available to people at the click of a button it makes libraries full of books seem outdated. In order to keep up, libraries are digitalizing themselves. There are some 24/7 online libraries that provide support and resources to teens and adults alike which is one step forward. Librarians do not become obsolete; they take on a new role of helping people to find information. There are other plans for the library of the future, they are totally rethinking the physicality of the library and creating an environment that is more like a community that a cold, quiet building filled with books. This new library will be more user-friendly and less intimidating than the library most people have come to know.

I think that this is definitely a step in the right direction for libraries. I personally have always enjoyed going to the library but do remember a small feeling of disrespect when speaking to another or intimidation by the large information desks and strict librarians. Trying to make the library more relatable to a lot of people is also important. The fact that they are trying to become more digitalized and involved in social networking and things of that nature will encourage people to think of the library differently, more approachable. Learning doesn’t always have to be stuffy, cold and boring which is what these new libraries will prove.