As I was nearing the end of the jargon-rich text that I read about the future of libraries (library2.0) I started to get a picture in my head. I can describe the visual as a sort of Jetson's kinda lifestyle only very updated and less animated. I picture the casual day as one filled with technological devices at one's fingertips. One of which is a personal librarian for would be patrons of libraries who have access to PC type devises. Whenever someone needs a book or even rare journal simply press a button and out of midair is a 3D image (sorta avatar hologramish) that is waiting for a one or two word verbal (TAG WORDS)request and then pop..a list of texts(books, journals, magazines, newspaper articles, blog posts, webcasts, chatrooms, etc.) that can be viewed online via whatever device available (Who knows what that'll be? Probably the guys at Technnorati.)
I am worried, though. Does this mean that print media are going to be a thing of the past like the cassette tape or VHS??? Does this mean that physical libraries will look more like try it before you buy it music stores with pods for viewing and listening. I am envisioning the cute little carousels that currently house the cassette tapes and book combos for children's books being replaced with a database. It seems so sterile compared to the homey library, but the choices become endless, and tags help to keep it all organized and consumer focused. I will still need my paper bound book to read every night before bed or on the beach. I don't like being digital during those times.
I do feel that libraries may become over tasked with the burden of updating effortlessly and continuously, but when I think of the underprivileged people of our new digital world, I think the library will be one of the only places for them to have free access to seek information electronically using the most recent/up-to-date tools. Libraries are going to be brokers of power as they always have been, knowledge is power, but in the literal sense, think of all of the electricity that will be needed to run this place of the future. There's more I could say about the great reasons why libraries should become transparent and collaborative as if owned and run by the users who ensure the "collection" is based on user trends. But imagine entering this realm unknowingly and trying to navigate it. Someone will have to be there to help newbies gain the knowledge in a flash. OR Libraries will have to simplify the tasks by creating the aforementioned hubs that are preprogrammed for specific tasks or searches. Instead of the Biography section of the library, you go to the Biography computer and type in a key word and hit enter. Click on the hits you get back, and you can sample the data right then and there. If something looks good to you, you can download it (QUICKLY) onto a removable device and then check it out for a period of time providing you have a digital info device on which to view the info at home. (Netflix comes to mind here)
1 week ago
2 comments:
i think some of your description will come to pass, but the home touches and paper books of certain types will still be there for everyone's benefit...those who come in or those who choose to use the virtual library will have their needs met! The Best of all worlds so to speak?
My dad and I were talking about the Kendall (sp?)reader today at lunch. I just don't see the charm... Can you curl up with a computer on a rainy day? Can you take it to the beach and get sunscreen coated, greasy fingerprints on it? Can you read it in the tub and not worry if a few pages get dampened? Can you loan it to a friend? No, I think for avid readers, books will retain their natural form. It seems that an essential part of reading is physical: holding a book, smelling it, feeling the paper between your fingers. Computers are nice for finding an answer, but beyond that...not so much.
I probably sound like an old person, don't I?
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