I've been learning a lot in my class. So many greats in the library field that I never knew about before are speaking their wisdom to me from the pages of their writing. There's a lot about the profession and about libraries that deserves respect and admiration. Those that worry about libraries because they think books are slowly disappearing would be surprised by all the evidence to the contrary. Libraries fulfill so many roles now, and they're redefining their purpose. The only threat to libraries currently is funding, which in many cases has led to cuts on staff and/or hours, and in some cases has caused libraries to close altogether. Despite this, there have been many communities that have rallied together to save their libraries, and there are libraries that continue to do well despite the recession and funding problems.
I took some time to reflect and think about what I would like to see more of in libraries. I think that their biggest roles in the future will be community-wise and civic-wise. I also think that libraries should fully embrace the trends of technology and find ways to get it to work for them, not against them. Here are 10 things I came up with that I would like to see more in our libraries.
1. Libraries building relationships with e-reader device companies Amazon and Barnes & Noble for program development that would allow patrons to borrow books from their Kindle or Nook. Ideally, libraries with this capability would also have the appropriate devices that patrons could borrow as well. The lending program would have the following features:
a. Users would be able to browse through their local library’s digital collection and take out or renew items, or even put items on hold. I would see libraries as being allowed to release up to 5 digital copies of a title at once.
b. A built-in customizable alert that would let the user know when he/she has 0-2 days left on an item.
c. Customizable views of the digital item, including larger font for those who have trouble reading small type.
d. Minimal or no advertisements. Links for buying the product would be discretely placed (Nooks would link to the product on Barnes & Noble's site, Kindles would have likewise for the Amazon site).
e. Once the loan time is up, the item would be automatically “returned” and the digital copy removed from the patron’s device. It would no longer be available to the patron unless he/she checked the item out again.
2. Libraries hosting school-like events, including spelling bees and science fairs. This would allow home-schooled children to participate alongside their publicly- or privately-schooled peers.
3. iPhone, iPad, cellphone, and computer desktop aps/widgets that allow patrons to chat with local librarians during business hours using real-time messaging.
4. Libraries hosting other events, like art shows featuring artwork inspired by books and cover artists, and International Food Day festivals to celebrate community diversity.
5. Themed book fairs with guest authors, with themes along the lines of "It's Great to Be a Kid!" and "Teen Reader."
6. Raffles or silent auctions with interesting and unique prizes, with all proceeds going to help fund expanding collections or upgrading equipment (things that would be very hard to do with reduced funding).
7. Libraries authoring RSS feeds with the latest news about their library, with possible incentives for those who subscribe (including things like money off of community event tickets, etc.).
8. Libraries acting as a venue for locals to bring their community-based problems (maybe providing online forums for locals to speak with their mayors, community boards, etc.?), and a growing partnership between the library and city government.
9. More technology workshops that not only deal with computers, but that also address iPhones, iPads, smart phones, hand-held game devices, digital cameras, and all other technologies that patrons express a desire to learn more about (probably directed towards the older audience).
10. Classes that teach parents about the latest technology trends for children and teens and how to make sure their kids are safe while using them. One thing addressed should be teaching parents how to talk to their kids about this.
A lot of libraries around the country have already become a center for their community and may already be doing some or most of these things. I would just like to see these kinds of things be more wide-spread. Maybe my outlook is a little jaded because of the type of library that I work in (it would be considered a specialized library). I plan to complete an internship at a public library at some point during my Master's, since I seem to be leaning towards a possible future career in a public library. I'm hoping that I may be able to implement some of these things at whatever public library I end up working in 5-10 years from now.
I still have a lot to learn before I get there.
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