Laura Cole’s Ted Talk (2016) discusses the Digital Library, from this I took four key concepts away. The first is that of the idea that digital libraries are a solution for how some people can access and interact with services and information. This is true in that people without technology or internet in the home are able to utilise this space for accessing such services (Cole, 2016, pp. 3). But digital libraries can go beyond the building itself, it can create a large clientele without having to provide space for multiple clients at once.
In a digital library information accessibility is not restricted by being able to attend the library building itself (Cole, 2016, pp. 3). Having a digital library and being a member of such a library allows access to resources and services online, without needing to be in the library building, this is very useful for those with limited mobility or taking the current circumstances into account, are unable to leave the home due to restrictions. Local libraries have begun integrating digital library services into the services they provide. I recently explored the services available through my local library as I wanted to read a book that I don’t have access to. I discovered that there was now a very large amount of ways to access ebooks and information online through the services provided by the library. They had access to a variety of services to loan out ebooks. There is also the ability through digital libraries to open up the scope of information access for those people who have disabilities and this can be supported through a variety of technologies (Cole, 2016, pp. 4). The ability of a library to provide services to everyone further confirms its importance as a service to others.
In the digital library, the Librarian is more active in discerning information which is available. The availability of large amounts of information requires the librarian to be highly involved in accessing, discerning and rotating access to different sources of information. The Librarians ability to complete these evaluations quickly and effectively exposes more individuals and groups to relevant services within the librarian and online.
Digital library as with traditional libraries, are effective at forming communities. Digital libraries continue to provide areas for gathering together in groups in smaller spaces or larger more versatile spaces. In providing space for gathering the digital library remains connected to the wider community through providing the space for meetings and gathering. Groups also have access to online communities to participate and collaborate beyond the physical space of the library.
Cole, Laura (2016) BiblioTech as the Re-Imagined Public Library: Where Will it Find You? Paper presented at: IFLA WLIC 2016 – Columbus, OH – Connections. Collaboration. Community in Session 213 – Metropolitan Libraries.