Libraries in the Digital Era

In 2014, life is more different now than it has ever been before. It's a guarantee that we hear about a new technology development almost every day. So where do libraries play a role in all of this? As someone who is currently growing up in what is referred to as the digital revolution, I'd say that libraries are working alongside the technological changes. The other day I was scrolling through Facebook and came across this post from "Humans of New York." The man photographed and interviewed works for the New York Public Library.

"I don't think the library is threatened. Circulation of physical books has never been higher. But I wouldn't even agree that libraries are in the book business. I think they are in the information sharing business. And it just so happens that books have been the primary method of sharing information for half a millennium. The library isn't going to compete with the internet. It's going to be part of the internet. New York libraries have one of the greatest collections of information in the world, and one of our goals is to have it all curated, linked, and navigable."
"But once you've uploaded all your information, haven't you made yourself obsolete?"
"Absolutely not. Libraries provide a third space that is neither home or work, where people can come together and do thinking work. There will always be that need. And a third of New York depends upon the library system for not only free books, but free computers as well. This is especially important to immigrants, because you don't have to prove anything to get a library card."

Some valid points are made here. I think many people fear what technology might be doing to libraries, but I believe the library has more purpose than ever. Working in the children's library, we have been able to reach teens in so many ways. By offering the technology that we do, we keep them in a safe, educational place. In addition, we have some exciting upcoming programming for 2015 that will utilize technology more than ever. As we continue into the technology boom into 2015, I look forward to sharing the exciting ways that technology keeps our library alive and innovative.

Until next time,

Garrett Grant