annotation: Library – 2025
2008 December 4
As part of my academic library course this term, I need to create weekly 'annotations' on a paper, totalling no more than 100 words. This is one of them.
This week's annotation will be a bit different. Because we're talking about the future of the library, it doesn't make as much sense to look at old literature to see what they say. It's much more gratifiying to come up with your own predictions. So - what do you think the academic library of 2025 will look like? Here's my predictions:
- Physical books moved offsite; transition to e-books, reader technology now ubiquitous
- E-book shift causes changes in lending, reserves, etc. The purchasing system becomes an issue, just as it was with e-journals.
- Space opened up in the library, now available for all kinds of activity; library becomes a space for shared activities: displays, galleries, discussions, presentations, etc.
- Education and teaching skills become a core course in the LIS curriculum. Cataloguing is removed.
- Libraries seen as the place to get access to and try the latest technologies.
That's just a sampling. I'd love to hear yours.
What is your word count?
Thanks for the insightful contribution, Sarah.
Word count not important. Ideas are. This is the future we're talking about here! Children of tomorrow will be frolicking these library halls, or not, depending on what you think! The leaders from the next generation!