What is the potential for the future of an organisation you are familiar with?
Libraries will continue into the future. The way they continue is the area which can be contested. Libraries uses are judged on their ability to provide the service of information collection and dissemination for their users (Hussain, 2020, p. 17). The Library is no longer the holder of books for knowledge and information, instead it is a way to connect with information and skills for the future, the catalyst for this being the “cutting edge” technology accessible through library services (Hussain, 2020, p. 17). Libraries provide access to information technology such as computers, which has now been a long-time necessary component of accessing, collating and disseminating information to and for users. With advances in technology users of the library can access the library without being present, whether this is through using virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) to take tours of the library spaces or utilise artificial intelligence (AI) to conduct research (Hussain, 2020, p. 18). The library space is no longer an area for “just reading”, it is now a multi-modal space for creating things through a maker-space, conducting research through accessing resources from all over the place or learning new skills in coding (Hussain, 2020, pp. 20-21). Libraries are and will continue to be a conduit for information access, collection, dissemination, and creating and sharing for the benefit of their users.
What impact might the future have on us as information professionals?
For information professionals there is now a need to remain current, this does not mean they rush to incorporate “cutting edge” technology. Instead it refers to information professionals exploring, learning, creating and practicing with new technologies to understand which will benefit the users of their library. The willingness of information professionals to experiment and practise with new technology is now an important aspect of the role (Hussain, 2020, pp. 24-25). Information professionals seeking mentors skilled in technology can further aid them in the successful implementation of “cutting edge” technologies into the library and become mentors and specialists amongst their own community (Hussain, 2020, p. 25). Information professionals adapting to technology and the uses and benefits of these technologies are paramount to the ongoing fulfillment of the needs of the library users (Hussain, 2020, p. 25-26). Information professionals need to find a balance between new technologies; what is needed now by the users and what technologies will be of benefit into the future for the sharing of knowledge, culture and skills (Hussain, 2020, p. 26). The information professional is at the forefront of implementing new technology as they become more skilful and knowledgeable in providing appropriate services to users.
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.