I'd like to welcome comments as to where we think libraries will be in years to come.
We have fantastic technology such as RFID that enables librarians to be on the floor assisting borrowers, but will we still have clients in 2030?
Will we be at the forefront of our own demise?
Are we not encouraging people to stay out of our libraries by offering online reservations/renewals?
Are we not decreasing our own circulation by limiting the amount of additional material that might have been borrowed had the person browsed in the library?
We subscribe to data bases that can accessed from home, we have PC booking systems that don't need staff interaction.
Are we creating the end of the community building and social interaction that is the soul of libraries?
Now, dont get me wrong, I'm all for new technology. I'm also aware that we are are becoming a time poor society that want information, want it fast, and in the most convenient accessible way possible.
But.......... in the thrust to be at core of online information sharing, are we in fact closing our own doors to face to face customer service?
3 comments:
Hi Geraldine-well done on creating your blog and posting your first, thought provoking post! Keep up the good work and enjoy the learning experience.
Regards
Hi Geraldine,
Your posting is very thought provoking!
I believe that web 2.0 technologies can be used to create more community involvement in libraries. New technology can be used to free up staff time to spend more time with people (in person and online).
Hi Geraldine,
I've been on a visit to La Trobe Uni library at Bundoora and one of the (many) interesting things we were told was that while students are increasingly wanting (and demanding) electronic resource delivery, actual visits to the library have not gone down at all. In fact, there is increased need for study space and new learning commons etc because students still want to be in the library. They bring their laptops and use wireless internet or use the computing facilities provided inhouse. So even though they no longer need to be in the library they still want to be. So the fear that new technology will take people away, in this case hasn't happened ...
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