Reading 3

The Future of Libraries Beginning the Great Transformation
By Thomas Frey
http://www.davinciinstitute.com/page.php?ID=120

Libraries traditionally have been used to store a large collection of books and other materials that are available for people who choose not too or could not afford to purchase books for themselves. This usage of libraries has begun to change. Information is more readily available today than it has been in history. This is very relevant in everyday usage of the internet, such as reading this article right now. The availability of media online has changed the use of the public library and its appeal to people who read for pleasure.

According to Thomas Frey, there are 10 key trends that are developing the new libraries we will have tomorrow. Trend one is communication. Because communication is constantly evolving and becoming more efficient, the timeline of usage left regarding books and publications is unknown. Trend two is all technologies eventually are replaced by a newer technology, such as the radio, 8 track, tape, CD player, and then the Ipod. Trend three involves the mobility of the new technology. As old technologies are replaced by newer ones we continue to see the size of the unit to decrease. Trend four, technology continues to become more complex and requires a larger user manual as it develops. Trend five, today is faster than it was tomorrow. The day is still the same length, but we have even more to do. Trend six, people will be transition to a verbal society, and our technologies will inhabit these characteristics as well. Trend seven, more global information is being provided, and people are becoming more knowledgeable about foreign cultures. Trend eight, more global systems will be established in our societies. Trend nine, experiences are becoming a more popular way of understanding information. Trend ten, libraries will become more of a culture attraction than a place to obtain knowledge.

I believe these trends are very correct in the observations of how information evolves. This will affect libraries and their usage in our current and future cultures very much. I do believe that libraries will be around for many more years, and will be reborn. Just as in trends with technology and fashion, often past ideas are revisited and improved upon. Even though we view libraries how they are today, they may become a more critical part of our lives in the future in another form or use.

-TJ