WOSU 06/10/2008

http://www.publicbroadcasting.net/wosu/news.newsmain?action=section&SECTION_ID=4

We all take for granted that libraries are full of books, audio and video materials; all of which we can borrow and review. When I consider what I use the library for most it is to borrow these types of items. But as digital media and the internet grow at an exponential rate how will libraries remain relevant?

Imagine a time when no new information is being kept physically; no new books, no new CD’s or DVD’s. I believe we will eventually live in a fully digital world. There may always be some niche publishing going on; even today some musicians press vinyl records, but eventually we’ll be close to 100% digital. In such a world what becomes the important literacies? According to author Daniel Pink, the 21st century set of literacies are to know how to find information, how to validate it, how to leverage it, how to communicate it, how to collaborate and problem solve with it. With such a focus on information shouldn’t libraries be a natural fit?

Libraries have historically served as a place to find and validate information. Many people argue against using only internet research due to the issue of validation. Over time a person can learn how to validate, which is what Daniel Pink promotes. It requires the full set of those 21st century literacies to move learning forward.

Our libraries act as a place that people can come together, to discuss what is important to them and their community; and they act as a place to share information equally and freely to people of all stature and background. The library affords people the opportunity to pursue their interests to the benefit of the community. In effect the library has been a beta version of web 2.0, acting as an information repository as well as a gathering place for social networking. It is this history and set of values that I believe will help libraries succeed.

Having a physical space to share information important to the community is what keeps us connected to each other and is a core building block of society. This space doesn’t need to be separate from the online spaces; in fact the library can facilitate this connection. This connection of physical and virtual, of local community and online community is the key to learning and using collaboration and communication of information. Likewise libraries can teach leveraging relevant information to affect positive local change. Libraries are already a wealth of information about the community they serve and should remain a resource for this. The library connects the final literacy to meet the needs of patrons in the 21st century.

Obviously libraries have taken on many other roles as well. Libraries are as much about information and knowledge as they are about entertainment and relaxation. I don’t expect that aspect to change. My family enjoys a wide range of programming at our local library; from story time to concerts the library is as important to us as the grocer. One is food for the stomach and the other is food for the mind and soul.