Consider the services discussed by Laura Cole in the video in relation to a library or information agency that you know (as an employee or user). Select four key points made by the speaker, and consider how these may be applied to a library or an organisation you are familiar with to help it embrace a Library 2.0 ethos. Write 300 – 400 words.
What do you think of the future of our libraries?
YouTube URL: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PnYDl66YfQ0
This video presentation is from Laura Cole (2016), who dedicates to promote the digitisation of the future libraries. There are four key points that are provoking.
- People’s reluctance to change
Emotionally, we do not want to see the disappearance of the paper books. People love to hold a book on their hand, reading the book with a sense of nice smell in a quiet library building. Although the physical books and the beautiful environment have created us with comfortable feelings and good memories, they cannot stop our steps moving forward. The innovation of new technology has driven us to explore more functions to serve the readers. Therefore, we cannot ignore the benefits of digitising our library, simply because we emotionally love the physical books and the library’s site. We need to take the advantages of the technologies and provide services to a broader community.
- Freedom of patron’s physical presentation
The digital library will have no restriction on its patron’s physical presentation. It is one of the most obvious advantages that a digital library could have in assisting a broader community. With internet connection, people could access the library anywhere around world. It provides great convenience for disables or for people who work full-time. In fact, the Covid-19 pandemic which has forced many libraries to shut down, has no impact on digital libraries or less influence to the libraries with digital collection. Thus, it is important to develop the digital session of all kinds of information agencies.
- Change of librarians’ role
As Core suggests in this video, the librarian’s role is changing. Librarians are no longer just working as “preservers” of physical collections, but as “cultivators” and “navigators” in delivering information to their patrons.
- Usage of the library’s site
Some people may have concern about the usage of the library’s building after the revolution of digitisation. Actually, because of the digital divide in both literacy and finance, the library can still be used in providing facilities and education. The library’s building can still be functioned as community centre for local residences to acquire knowledge and information.
In summary, it is understandable that we love the beautiful environment that the libraries have created in our life. Emotionally, we do not want the electronic devices to replace the paper books. However, we also cannot stop the progress of moving towards a digital world. As an information professional, we need to always think of the future trend so that we can provide better service to a broader community.
References:
Cole, L. (2016, April 16). BiblioTech as the Re-Imagined Public Library: Where Will it Find You? [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PnYDl66YfQ0