According to Hussain (2020), information professionals are constructing a better world for their patrons by experimenting with the latest technology, however, they are also struggling to keep up the implementation of cutting-edge innovations (p. 16). This brings about considerations for the adaptability of future libraries to the creation of new technologies, and the impact these evolutions will have on the information professionals themselves. The future of public library institutions, such as Eastern Regional Libraries in Melbourne, will need to prepare for the fact that virtual and augmented reality is now a technology being utilised in the present (Hussain, 2020. p. 18). Social media filters are an example of this, as well as virtual tours which have enabled patrons to conveniently access libraries from home (Hussain, 2020. p. 18). Artificial intelligence may also become integrated with institutions such as Eastern Regional Libraries, with Futurice creating a social robot that guides people to books in 2019 (Axelsson, 2019). It will be important for librarians to not feel threatened at becoming obsolete with advancements of artificial intelligence or robots, as this will only enhance user experience and create efficiencies in the working environment (Hussain, 2020. p. 19).

The next phase for public libraries is predicted to be the Internet of Things (IoT), moving on from what we have known as Web 2.0 currently (Hussain, 2020. p. 19). IoT is already on the uprise with human connectivity due to the creation of tools such as smart home devices. These enable voice commands and have an in-built home assistant. Eastern Regional Libraries will need to consider and incorporate IoT in different segments of smart building technology that will assist with cooling, heating, and lighting – which can all be controlled from smart phones and applications. Librarians themselves will need to keep up with the use of mobile apps so that they can readily adapt to an implementation of an IoT technology in their workplace. Libraries have already implemented mobile applications for their patrons, which provides 24/7 access to collections and e-resources (Hussain, 2020. p. 19). It will be important for librarians to progress within their professional development and understand the functionality of applications to remain resourceful to their users.

The potential for libraries to remain relevant is endless if new tools such as 3D Printers and drones are utilised, providing valuable resources to their communities. Drones can provide services to the handicapped as they can be controlled remotely, therefore enabling equal access to the library’s services (Hussain, 2020. p. 19). Many libraries have already introduced such technologies (Hussain, 2020. p. 19), so the possibility for organisations like Eastern Regional Libraries to become creative with these tools is imminent. The future of public libraries and information professionals will rely heavily on the openness to transform and adapt to new technologies that can assist their users.

Photo by Sara Kurfeß on Unsplash

References

Hussain, A. (2020). Cutting edge: Technology’s impact on library services. In Innovations in

        the Designing and Marketing of Information Services (pp. 16-27): IGI Global.

Axelsson, M. (2019). The little robot that lived at the library [Blog post]. Retrieved from

https://towardsdatascience.com/the-little-robot-that-lived-at-the-library-90431f34ae2c