Libraries have undergone changes through the ages
as to their purpose, quantity, and type of materials they hold. They were the
pride and secret of some empires during the ancient period. To the present time,
they have endured as useful repositories of historical writings and information
materials for teachers, learners, and their community of users. Libraries used
to keep ancient writings on stones, clay tablets, leaves, scrolls, papyrus, and
parchment, etc. Later, they were replaced by paper, books, tapes, CDs, DVDs, and
recently also by digital means.
Library in the digital age is a revolutionary transformation
in many aspects. Searching of information by users may no longer necessitate
being physically present in the library. They can have remote access to the
library databases through their home computers or elsewhere. Search engines
such as “Google” can provide lots of useful information online. Routine and
labor-intensive jobs of library staffs can be performed efficiently by robots. Digitization
of library materials has helped reduced the need for more space to shelve
books, etc. Library staffs are faced with the challenges of being skillful with
computers and adapting to rapid changes on the nature of their functions and
activities. There is also the threat of reduced need for staff especially when
robot librarians are deployed. Library users demand more costly digital materials
but there is less financial support.
What then are some of the implications of the
previously mentioned library phenomena? Are there less people going to the
libraries nowadays? A PEW Research survey on public libraries in America done
in September 2013 showed that “technology users are generally library users” (Zickuhr). They do not stay away from libraries as many people
would think. ”Patrons embrace new technologies – and would welcome more. But
many still want printed books to hold their central place…. A number of library
patrons also want to expand the use of online research services provided by
librarians, app-based access to library materials and programs, access to
technology ‘petting zoos’ to try out new devices, GPS-navigation apps to locate material inside
the library buildings, redbox style lending machines or kiosks located
throughout the community instead of going to the library itself to check out
books and other materials, and ‘Amazon-style’ customized books/audio/video
recommendation schemes that are based on patron’s prior library behavior” (Zickuhr, Rainie, and Purcell).
I would say librarians in the digital age need to
keep analyzing the changing needs of the community it serves as well as the
real benefits of the fast and ever growing technologies applied in the
libraries. This may mean shifting budget allocation priorities in providing
services. The library aside from giving information also has important roles in
fostering life-long learning and enhancement of American culture. By applying
suitable technologies, these roles can be maximized to the fullest extent. The
point is to respond accordingly, to be creative, and be relevant.
Below is a link to You Tube video “eBooks: OverDrive Digital Library Basics”
"EBooks: OverDrive Digital
Library Basics." YouTube. YouTube, 13 June 2012. Web. 17 Apr. 2014.
<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NHqDWPgdM1M>.
"On E-Books, the
Personal Library and the Value of Space." TeleRead. Gadgetell LLC
& North American Publishing Company (NAPCO), 20 Aug. 2012. Web. 16 Apr.
2014. <http://www.teleread.com/ebooks/on-e-books-the-personal-library-and-the-value-of-space>.
Zickuhr, Kathryn, Lee
Rainie, and Kristen Purcell. "Library Services in the Digital Age." Pew
Internet Libraries RSS. Pew Internet & American Life Project, 22 Jan.
2013. Web. 16 Apr. 2014.
<http://libraries.pewinternet.org/2013/01/22/library-services/>.
Zickuhr, Kathryn.
"Libraries in the Digital Age." Pew Internet Libraries RSS.
Pew Internet & American Life Project, 18 Mar. 2014. Web. 16 Apr. 2014.
<http://libraries.pewinternet.org/category/libraries-in-the-digital-age/>.
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