The changing face of libraries: Issues and serendipities

Abstract

Introduction

Libraries has transformed from just been custodian of knowledge to evolving information landscape.

Methods

This study sought to discover the changing faces of libraries with emphasis on issues and serendipities. The study explored the prevalent issues faced by modern day libraries like fund constraints, technological advancement, ever changing patrons’ needs and copyright and intellectual property issues.

Discussion

The study also discussed the Evolution and innovations in libraries from leveraging technology for service delivery to enhancing access to information (open access initiatives, collaboration/partnership, information literacy programs, community engagement, equity & inclusion and multilingual resources) to enhancing users’ experiences (library space and design, personalized-service, user-centric design & service and mobile application). This study also further discussed future trends in libraries stating how technologies such as AI & Machine learning, Virtual reality and augmented reality, sustainable practices, user-focus services, reimagined physical space will further transform the role and face of both libraries and librarians.

Conclusion

The study concluded that library and the role of librarians will continually evolve and persist as invaluable resources for communities worldwide.

Keywords

technology evolution librarians library and transformation

Get full access to this article

View all access options for this article.

References

American Library Association (2020) The Value of Libraries: How Public Libraries Support and Enable Communities. https://www.ala.org/tools/research/librariesmatter

American library Association (2021) Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion. https://www.ala.org/aboutala/equity-diversity-and-inclusion

Anderson

(2019) The library in the digital age: a reassessment. Journal of Librarianship and Information Science 51(1): 3–14.

Antell

Engel

(2012) Conduciveness to scholarship: the essence of academic library as place. College & Research Libraries 73(4): 536–560.

Arora

Bansal

Suri

(2018) Internet of Things: Beginning of New Era for Libraries. Available at: https://core.ac.uk/download/188141185.pdf.

Bawden

Robinson

(2015) Introduction to Information Science. Facet Publishing.

Besser

(2008) The next stage: moving from isolated digital collections to interoperable digital libraries. First Monday 7: 958.

Brown

(2021) Data analytics in libraries: transforming service and resources. Information Technology and Libraries 40(1): 67–78.

Chen

(2016) User experience in digital libraries: a systematic review. International Journal of Information Management 36(6): 1127–1139.

10.

Cloonan

(2017) Preserving our cultural heritage in the digital age. The Library Quarterly 87(2): 109–124.

11.

Collins

Lee

(2018) Virtual reality and augmented reality in libraries: expanding access to knowledge. Library Technology Reports 54(6): 10–15.

12.

Cowan

(2017) Redesigning public library spaces for the 21st century. Public Library Quarterly 36(4): 322–335.

13.

Dewees

(2018) Augmented reality in libraries: expanding access to knowledge. Library Technology Reports 54(6): 10–15.

14.

Hafit

Abdullah

(2017) Implementation of green technology in library: a proposed framework. International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences 7(12): 507–514.

15.

Hines

(2015) Investigating the impact of user feedback on library services. Library Management 36(8/9): 635–647.

16.

Hinton

(2023, January 24). Are You Redefining the Library Experience? OCLC Next. https://blog.oclc.org/next/redefining-the-library-experience/

17.

Islam

(2020) Towards Understanding the Challenges Faced by Machine Learning Software Developer and Enabling Automates Solutions. Available at: https://core.ac.uk/download/343499647.pdf.

18.

Jones

(2018) The impact of digital collections on library services. Journal of Digital Information 19(2): 123–134.

19.

Kawalya

(2021) The National Library of Uganda: Challenges Faced in Performing It’s Institutional Practices. Available at: https://core.ac.uk/download/395012769.pdf.

20.

Kumar

Mohite

(2017) Impact of information technology on libraries. International Journal of Library and Information Science 7(3): 116–123.

21.

Liu

Kwan

(2020) Measuring spatial mismatch and job access inequity based on transit-based job accessibility for poor job seekers. Travel Behaviour and Society 19: 184–193.

22.

May

Swabey

(2015) The Impact of Library Environment on Study Behaviors. Vol. 41(5), 514–521.

23.

Morrow

Gambrell

(2017) Fostering literacy development in English language learners. Handbook of Research of Teaching the English Language Arts. 183–192.

24.

Norris

(2019) Libraries and the Digital Divide: An Introduction. Roman and Littlefield.

25.

Ogundare

(2024, April 17). Nigeria’s First Green Library Opens in Lagos. Tribune. https://tribuneonlineng.com/nigerias-first-green-library-opens-in-lagos/

26.

Peters

(2019) The impact of Mobile apps on library service. Journal of Library Administration 59(2): 123–134.

27.

Press Reader Team (2021, November 4). The Evolution of Libraries to the 21st Century (Infographic). Blog PressReader; PressReader. https://blog.pressreader.com/libraries-institutions/21st-century-library-evolution-timeline

28.

Public Library Association (2019) Public Library Program: A Vital Service in an Age of Technology. Available at: https://www.ala.org/tools/research/pla.

29.

Schomish

(2019) Personalised services in academic libraries: enhancing user experience. College & Research Libraries 80(3): 314–327.

30.

Slatter

Howard

(2019) Maker spaces in libraries: fostering creativity and learning and. Australian Library Journal 68(3): 207–219.

31.

Smith

(2019) Public libraries as community hubs: the role of library service in social inclusion. Journal of Librarianship and Information Science 51(4): 1120–1134.

32.

Smith

(2020) Artificial intelligence in libraries: enhancing user experience. Library Technology Reports 56(4): 45–52.

33.

Soderlund

Newman

(2017) Biophilic architecture: a review of Nationale and outcomes. Architectural Science Review 60(3): 195–205.

34.

Suber

(2015) Expanding Community Engagement: The Transformative Role of Libraries. MIT Press. Open access.

35.

UNESCO (2020) UNESCO and Human Rights. UNESCO. UNESCO: Building Peace through Education, Science and Culture, Communication and Information. https://www.unesco.org/en/human-rights

36.

Urban Libraries Council (2018) The Engaged Library: Chicago Public Library Builds Community Connections. https://www.urbanlibraries.org/the-engaged-library-chicago-public-library-builds-community-connections

37.

William

(2017) Green libraries: sustainable design and practices. Environmental Design Research Journal 21(3): 45–60.

38.

Zhu

(2019) Artificial intelligence in libraries: enhancing user experience through technology. Information Technology and Libraries 38(2): 24–35.