Libraries in the Digital Age: Let's Embrace Access! by Kathy Meengs

 

Libraries in the Digital Age: Let’s Embrace Access! By Kathy Meengs

 

We throw these terms around so much, ‘digital age’ or ‘information age,’ but what exactly do we mean? Definitions abound, but most center around the ideas of large amounts of information being available on a widescale basis, greatly due to the internet and information and communication technology advancements. So, what does this mean for libraries, and specifically for presentation in libraries?

While some may wring their hands over the thought of a ‘digital library,’ it’s hard to argue with the great boon to access digitizing provides. Scholars, authors, and everyday enthusiasts can access some of the greatest world collections without leaving their room. Those who live in remote areas or have transportation or mobility issues can ‘use’ the library. The Digital Library Federation (DLF) (www.diglib.org) states its mission as “advance research, learning, social justice and the public good through the creative design and wise application of digital library technologies.” This mission is admirable and lofty, but don’t let it make you think of the DLF as just a bunch of do-gooder dreamers. They are about “getting stuff done.” The move to digitize collections could be a chaotic wild, wild west of varying practices, formats and more. The DLF is working to prevent that by creating digital library standards and best practices and standing ready to support any and all libraries.

As we work to provide more digital services and collections to our patrons, we need to make sure that our guidance and instruction keeps pace. The learning tools we present on our websites need to be effective, or this great step towards broader information access is all for naught. Librarian Kristen Cinar believes we should be using videos to engage our visitors and advises “creating a better viewing experience brings you one small step closer to reaching your target audience and earning their interest. Only then can you maximize learning potential” (15).  

Elements of the digital library are here to stay, whether it be ‘checking out’ an e-book or browsing historic photos online. ‘Real’ books are not going away anytime soon, but for the tremendous increase in access that the digital library provides, we all should embrace this advance. It is our job as library staff to help all users navigate these offerings.

Work Cited:

Cinar, Kristen. “IT’S A WRAP!: Tips for Producing Engaging Videos.” Computers in Libraries, vol. 41, no. 7, July 2021, pp. 11–15. EBSCOhost, https://search-ebscohost-com.ezproxy.palomar.edu/login.aspx?direct=true&db=lxh&AN=151204055&site=ehost-live&scope=site.