Now with many libraries opening again there is a lot of discussion regarding how best to go back to normal. In person classes and close interactions are still to be avoided where possible. Access to physical collections could also prove to be an issue. Collaborative study is being shunned in favour of isolate studying or via online platforms. Social distancing in buildings means that libraries may only safely house half the people they used to.

For that reason even after the pandemic is over there will likely be a number of changes to how and what we perceive libraries to be.

Collections

Even despite the current crisis it has become increasingly clear how irrelevant a lot of print collections have become when a lot of the information can be accessed digitally.

Mass digitization and access versus archives.

For a long time now research libraries have engaged in print digitization efforts as back ups should anything happen to print copies. With print materials locked behind closed doors, in some instances emergency digital library were able to be accessed by its members. This is surely a trend we are likely to see happen from now on within the future of libraries. Whilst there are copyright issues further mass digitization efforts should be undertaken to preserve print copies and make them more accessible.

E-everything.

Demand for printed materials have decreased while use of electronic resources has skyrocketed in libraries. Over the following few years, budgets need to be allocated towards growing electronic collections. The future of libraries will involve developing new strategies for negotiating deals with publishers. Lobbying for greater access to streaming media and ebooks will also need to be pursued. New access models will have to be developed to encourage the adoption of e-books.

The end of huge deals.

The long-term financial implications of COVID-19 and inflationary increases by publishers have caused several institutions to reconsider multiyear licenses to large journal packages. Libraries will need to rely instead on resource-sharing and document delivery services, encouraging publishers to develop specific access options.

Distinctive collection digitization.

The best assets of an academic library’s collection are the special collections and archives. Often though, these materials are often hidden away in vaults, only available for in-person access. For libraries during COVID closure such access was limited. This again means further archives digitization efforts should be made in the coming years. Digitized content will become a primary source of access rather than just a means of preservation.

Copyright/fair use challenges.

Copyright has always been unreasonably restrictive despite protecting the creators of the material. Due to the increase in online access and classes libraries must provide more copyright education to encourage authors to use creative licenses and lobby for more flexible copyright laws.

Services

Libraries pride themselves on their customer service. Layouts may now need to be redesigned to ensure they don’t become hot zones of traffic. More self-service and touchless interactions will be needed. These include services such as self-checkout, curbside pickup and scan and deliver.

Support for online teaching.

Libraries are perfectly positioned to help educational institutions with the development of online courses. They already provide students with instruction, technologies and digital learning facilities. Further relationships should be made to ensure students and schools have all they require to navigate the online environment.

The post The future of libraries in the pandemic appeared first on RAILS CONFERENCE.

Like most parts of the western world South Austalia has an ageing population experiencing greater growth within the Metropolitan areas alongside a decline in the population in rural areas.

New migrants account for 15% of this growth and speak a language other than English. Over 50% of the state’s Aboriginal population lives outside Adelaide. For a significant period of time governments have worked on plans for the community.

Priority on increased community engagement has been a key aim. Public libraries play a big role in community engagement and education. The tech industry has seen a large rise in South Australia and is home to a number of innovative entrepreneurial technology based small businesses.

The nature of labour has changed significantly with new jobs appearing as a direct result of this changing landscape.

Climate change has meant that South Australia is warmer than it was 15 years ago.

The government has built ‘Ice boxes’ to provide a welcome, cool environment. This has helped the vulnerable and as acted as a sustainable way to minimise energy use.

Libraries have become a key part of this scheme. Mixed-use development such as this bring together housing, jobs, transport services, recreation and leisure.

Modern smart libraries seek to use sustainable technologies to keep utility costs down. Just as importantly they should also look to be a welcoming environment and a library network should always be interconnected and interdependent. The future lies in strengthening this via service delivery. Nothing within the dynamic library ecosystem should be in isolation.

A modern library network should deliver an integrated library system.

Systems for the Network of the future will be streamlined. This includes the ability to enable online collaboration via sophisticated platforms for sharing resources. These should make administrative tasks more efficient.

A libraries network must be dynamic, interconnected and play a central role similar to community hubs. Ideally they will also collaborate with other sectors including schools, businesses and community groups. Long term success is dependant on skilled staff, atmosperic physical and virtual library spaces. Also content that stimulates imagination.

The services and spaces should encourage innovation and learning through technology. Partnerships and interactions at a localised level is vital. Knowledge is a major driver of productivity and economic growth. This has resulted in a focus on data, technology and learning.

Knowledge access and the creation of innovative ideas and solutions to new problems are all connected. Libraries play a key role in delivering information, technology and learning for people and communities.

Public libraries have had a comparatively basic service delivery model for the last fifty years. It was the centre of knowledge to which the user had to visit to gain that information. Digital technologies and globalisation have meant that libraries now have to adapt.

Library services in the next five years will be delivered to people both physically and online. In a complete change from the past, these smart libraries now needs to come to the people.

The post Smart Libraries appeared first on RAILS CONFERENCE.