Tuesday, March 27, 2007

Thing 15 - Future of Libraries

The recurrent themes made by these OCLC reps is that libraries of the future must be user-centric and inviting. Libraries five years down the road will be totally different because our users will demand that we change and adapt to their changing learning styles, favorite technologies and ways of communicating. I appreciated Michael Stephens' comments that the library must be a socially and emotionally engaging learning center. I think SJPL should pat itself on the back for integrating the ideas of an inviting community meeting space and environment for thought and discovery into its newly built branches. I loved Michael's idea that libraries must control 'technolust' and not buy technology just because its the coolest or latest popular thing to do. SJPL and SJSU are just at the point of investigating new technologies -- including having staff systemwide step through these 23 Things -- and considering which Web 2.0 applications would significantly improve and enhance our customers' library experience.

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