Libraries in the Digital Age

 Libraries in the Digital Age- Charis J

image credit: Two books leaned against each other with a question mark indicating help by AJ under License CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication. https://commons.m.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Help_books.svg 

Libraries have had to grow and change as time has progressed. Libraries have incorporated new programs and resources, technology, multiple formats for books as well. One example of increased programming is through partnering with other local institutions and organizations to help continue to reach their library community. For example, the New York Public Library partnered with local institutions such as museums to grant access to library users, “while providing such access might not be seen as a traditional role for libraries, it is all part of a piece, said Brooklyn Public Library President and CEO Linda E. Johnson…we have been focusing on how to expand the definition of literacy," (Passy). The discussion of what literacy means and the expansion of this concept and the forms it can be developed from needs to continue. There’s value in reaching out to our communities. Furthermore, given the circumstances due to the pandemic there’s been an increase in virtual programming as well which allows people to have community from wherever they might be. Because of the advancement of the technological capabilities of the devices available to us, there’s been a shift to move resources and materials online. This shift has been going for awhile now affecting many libraries no matter the size including the Library of Congress, “…that means consolidating multiple reading rooms and making the experience of in-person researching more like the kind of one-stop shop we've come to expect online” (LaFrance  B.2). Although libraries may take the transition to online resources and materials being available at their own pace, it’s changed the definition of what libraries can be. The definition of libraries and the kinds of information, resources, and materials they can provide continues to grow and it’s a great thing. 

Work Cited: 

LaFrance, Adrienne. “Tensions Arise as the World Grows More Digital.” The Washington Post,

30 Aug 2013, p. B.2. https://login.ezproxy.palomar.edu/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/newspaper s/tensions-arise-as-world-grows-more-digital/docview/1428727442/se- 2?accountid=35685 

Passy, Charles. “New York City Library Cards Begin New Chapter as Free Museum Passes;

Faced with Challenges in an Increasingly Digital Age, Libraries Expand Their Literacy Mission to Include the Arts.” Wall Street Journal, 16 Jul. 2018. https://login.ezproxy.palomar.edu/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/newspaper s/new-york-city-library-cards-begin-chapter-as-free/docview/2070046000/se- 2?accountid=35685