Libraries in the Digital Age by Shana Brooks-Schmit

 Libraries in the digital age

The library at Saint Catherine’s Monastery located at the foot of the legendary Mount Sinai, is the oldest continually operating library in the world. The monastery itself is also considered one of the oldest functioning Christian monasteries in the world and it is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Wikimedia Commons

I have heard people say that libraries are finished, that they are obsolete, or that they no longer serve a useful purpose. Libraries have existed for almost  four millenia, with the archives contained in the Sumer tablets of around 2400 BCE to the eBooks of today. Libraries have centuries of experience reinventing themselves and adapting to new and emerging technologies. The medium for expressing the written word has evolved over this time and libraries have always figured out a way to embrace these new developments but change their missions at the same time. 

In order to keep up with these technologies, “Libraries”,  according to Dumon (2015), 

“that reimagine their role, space, and purpose can lead change instead of succumbing to change.” This is how libraries that are innovating for the future function. They’re building networks with other libraries, marketing themselves using multiple forms of media, and keeping up with the times. Berry says the best way to achieve this is for libraries to, “Revise their mission, materials, and services to help all citizens—from the very young to seniors—get a handle on the latest information technologies, the new health-care system, and fresh ways to learn, parent, and teach.” (Berry, 2015). He continues to say that libraries need to offer, “activities and services that help master issues at work or school and address life’s challenges.” (Berry, 2015).

Engaging patrons to participate in the library by offering ways for them to engage in the community and learn new technologies. Maker spaces are a great way to introduce new technologies to patrons and allow them a hands on approach with things like video editing and 3D printers. As a result of the pandemic, libraries have found new and more innovative ways to offer their services and books to the public when they can’t visit in person. Libraries continue to evolve to face the challenges that new technologies and concerns offer and will be fine reinventing themselves for the digital age.

John N. Berry III. (2015). Watching the Future. Library Journal, 140(4), 10.

DUMON, O. (2015). Rebranding Libraries for the Digital Age. Information Today, 32(6), 18.

Leading article: Public libraries: Losing the plot. (2014, August 26). Guardian [London, England], 28. https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A379950781/OVIC?u=cclc_palomar&sid=bookmark-OVIC&xid=2d02e3ff

Libraries evolving to meet needs. (2016, August 13). Age [Melbourne, Australia], 31. https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A460514109/OVIC?u=cclc_palomar&sid=bookmark-OVIC&xid=e18e8659

Weduwen, A. D., & Pettegree, A. (2021, October 19). Libraries will survive in a digital age. Here's why. Washington Post, NA. https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A679476456/OVIC?u=cclc_palomar&sid=bookmark-OVIC&xid=d70efda0