What is the future of public libraries in the USA?

Question

I am a librarian interested to hear from all sectors on what they think the future holds for public libraries

Answer 1

My vision of the library of the future is a place where you can bring in or buy snacks & refreshments. Rare and valuable documents and books will be kept secure, and students must sign in to special reading rooms to see them, with no drinks or food.

There will be a cafe' at one side like at some large book & media stores, but people will have to keep their drink and food there.

The library of the future will have a video or DVD viewing room or several viewing carrels.

Libraries of the future will be more involved in community growth and education. Adult education, urban renewal, suburban renewal will be some of the themes.

We need to renew the Bookmobile concept. Only make it not just books but DVDs, CDs, even selling Ipods, mini cassette recorders, Cliff Notes, calculators, and school supplies.

The library of the future will be more interactive, more networked with local and distant museums. It will combine the concept of archives, museum, and study hall.

The library of the future will have day care for working parents, and be much better funded. People will buy "memberships" for their loved ones, at the library or library network of their choice.

Answer 2

James H. Billington, Librarian of Congress, told Congress that the new electronic age makes the nation's 15,000 public libraries:

"more, rather than less, important to the progress of the United States in the 21st Century,"

I personally hope, like many others world-wide, who cherish libraries and books that books will always stay around. There is nothing like holding a new or old book and flipping it pages to read all that valuable information in them and stored on each and every shelf in every corner, and every floor of the local library. In fact with all the knowledge each book holds and all the numerous documentations by researchers and well known authors- the library can indeed hold riches more than all the banks in a town.

The good thing is in the article I read that congress is putting as much emphasis into preserving written records as well as adding to them , the now digital records too. So hopefully, in the future we will have a richer library rather than a book-less one.

Answer 3

I'm a library technician/systems manager at a public library in a very small southern town. I started working here about four years ago. I sometimes feel like we are turning into a movie rental/internet cafe place, without the cafe part. :) We have so many people that only come in here for the movies or to check their email. We have probably 50 people on the computers a day. People seem to go there for their research first, and then, if they can't find what they need, they go look in the stacks. Like: 'Oh yeah, I'm in a library'.

I don't think libraries will ever become obsolete; however, because we do provide such a great, free service. Where else can you get free books, movies, and internet access?

Answer 4

Well, i can tell you one thing, they wont be used for myspace. Here, you have to be 19 and registered for a certain type of use, to get to myspace. Or go around, which the school system caught up too and blocked the ways to get around the gaurd. I would think the library system has followed their lead.

Libraries are very very useful. But most people would buy the book they are going to read. Something about..being able to write in it. And the library i live by, doesnt have much of anything. The biggest section is the "adult fiction" (not like..porn.) and most of the books there are like..crap. Which makes it hard to pick out a good one..but i found...7.

Either way...the library isnt going anywhere. With the SAT books and the "Blank for dummies" it will be here for a long time. Maybe not that "updated" but it will be there...

Like a shadow..:o

Answer 5

Great question !

Libraries, as repositories of information, will continue in that role of course.

But, they certainly will be different from today. I was just in my local branch library, picking up a book and a DVD that I located on line and asked to have sent to my local branch. That is very different from my youth.

Much of it already is electronic. Perhaps more and more of future libraries will be down-loadable electronic copies of books.

For this geezer, the joy of holding the book and dozing off with it on my chest will never be replaced by an overgrown blackberry.

On the other hand, I just spent 3 months in Colombia where the concept of branch libraries or neighborhood access to books is unheard of. And, the books I was able to read on line were a true joy and salvation.

Answer 6

this is an interesting question, I know I haven't been in a public library in some time, but it seems like they will have to keep up with technology to stay relevant. Maybe when I have children I'll be closer to the subject, but will there continue to be funding for them? maybe private and college libraries will be the only ones around soon....

Answer 7

Surely Great, I am right now answering your question from Richardson Public Library in Texas.
You see, people need a public library.

Answer 8

I am not an expert on this subject, but am a faithful patron of my local library. Whenever I go in, there are lots of people doing all sorts of activities.

Answer 9

in my opinion...sadly i have to say...that in the future i think public libraries will not be needed due to how advanced technology has become.

Answer 10

i was about to pass this question but i thought; there those who are less fortunate to have computers like us that can still find info in libraries