The Future of Libraries; Selected List of Resources
American Library Association. The State of America's Libraries: A Report from the American Library Association
. ALA: American Library Association.
The American Library Association reports on how libraries are developing their physical structures in today’s world, particularly when it comes to renovations and environmental sustainability. This report mentions three New York State projects, and also comments on the importance of libraries in the lives of children.
Darnton, R. (2011, April 17). 5 Myths About the 'Information Age". The Chronicle of Higher Education (web site).
This article by Robert Darnton points out common misconceptions about books, libraries, and the information age. It explores the idea that technology will not put an end to physical books, and considers the involvement of libraries.
Ditullio, Naomi. Futurist Stephen Abram and Director and State Librarian Peggy Rudd on the role of libraries. Library Developments; Program news & information from the Texas State Library & Archives Commission (web site).
Stephen Abram, Library Futurist and Executive at Gale-Cengage, joins Texas State Librarian Peggy Rudd in a 12-minute podcast. The two discuss exactly what is changing libraries, as well as what can be expected in the future, why some librarians may be resisting e-books, and the issue of library funding.
Education Law Center. New PA Study Shows Full-time School Librarian Boosts
Student Achievement. October 23, 2012.
"Having access to a full-time, certified school librarian means better outcomes for Pennsylvania’s public school students, according to new research from the Colorado-based RSL Research Group..."
Kalish, J. (n.d.). Books and Band Saws: the Future of Libraries. From MindShift: How we will learn. Retrieved January 19, 2012.
This article discusses new ways for libraries to serve the public at a time when information is increasingly becoming digital. Public libraries around New York State have developed "hackerspaces," which are areas where people can participate in hands-on, do-it-yourself activities. Some libraries are able to supply power tools, 3-D printers, etc., allowing the public to use the library in a new and innovative way.
Levien, R. L. (2011, June 4). Confronting the Future: Strategic Visions for the 21st Century Public Library.
This document discusses the current challenges facing public libraries and explores visions for the future. In order for public libraries to survive, they must continue to react to social, technological and economic changes, and Levien attempts to outline several possibilities for their continued existence.
Library Research Service (LRS). (2013). [Infographic]. School Libraries & Student Achievement . Retrieved from LRS 3/2013.
Infographic snapshot of Colorado/national studies done over the last two decades showing how teacher-librarians have a positive impact on student test scores.
Madrigal, Alexis. What Big Media Can Learn From the New York Public Library. The Atlantic (web site), June 20,2011.
This article looks at how The New York Public Library is succeeding in the Information Age. While library visits are up, the library continues to offer innovative programs and services that utilize technology, emphasizing their relevance in today’s world.
OCLC. Perceptions of Libraries, 2010: Context and Community. OCLC (web site).
This OCLC report, which is based on an online survey conducted by Harris Interactive, provides up-to-date information on the on-line habits of consumers. The report explores how economic downturn and employment status affect information-seeking behavior and library usage.
Public Library Association Strategic Plan. Public Library Association: a division of the American Library Association (web site).
The Public Library Association’s strategic plan outlines the predicted future for libraries, as well as highlights what libraries and library leadership can do to ensure that libraries remain relevant.
Shapins, J. (2011, October 12). Idea Lab: Community News for the Digital Age. Zeega Imagines New Forms of Digital Libraries and Archives.
This article describes two new Zeega projects: “extraMUROS,” to allow users to create their own collections from libraries, museums, etc., and a “Digital Archive of Japan’s 2011 Disasters” for people to understand the effects and importance of similar tragedies. These projects were created with the changing roles of libraries and archives in mind.
Shaw, Jonathan. "The Library Test Kitchen." Harvard Magazine (online), July 2012.
Students from Harvard University are envisioning the future of libraries in creative new ways by developing devices to transform the library as a physical place. These student projects, including Wi-Fi Cold Spots and bibliographic scanning devices, could change how libraries provide and access information.
Small Demons is a website that takes the people, places and things mentioned in all books and creates a Storyverse. The site attempts to link, cross-reference and catalogue this metadata and draw connections between seemingly unrelated works. In order to delve into the Storyverse, users enter a search term, such as the name of an individual or character, and every book that mentions that term is presented. Users can then explore for further details on their search term, or uncover other details in the world of fiction.
Weinberger, David. (2012, September 4). Library as platform . Library Journal.
By highlighting Facebook’s 2007 transition allowing outside developers access to internal services and data, Weinberger makes the argument that libraries should make a similar change and become a platform. In order to do this, the author states that libraries would need to provide access to everything that they possibly can, as well as allow social knowledge networks to emerge, ultimately solidifying the role of libraries in democracy.