Libraries in the Digital age are all about evolving our mindset of what makes a library. We are at a point where many library users won’t step foot in the physical library. Accessing materials on the go with the libraries database, programs such as Libby for digital book access. The tech only user may not intend to set foot in the physical space but, can libraries engage them with on-site activities? I like to think so the library can notify tech patrons of activities at their local branch.
Digital materials need a different kind of maintenance. Librarians need to manage the digital leases and review the needs to renew leases much like an inventory of a physical collection. Unlike a physical book, journal or other resource a library does not purchase a digital copy, the library leases the use of the digital content. Lease terms are generally for one to 3 years. A perpetual lease may cost five times more than the short term leases. Harris, C. (2014)
The need for a physical location will not go away as technology evolves; some patrons will need the physical space to access the digital materials on a library device such as desktop computer or use of the library's free WIFI. Physical location services such as meeting space and desk space are also an important value of the physical location. Onsite groups, craft activities, instruction, and children's services are all linked to a physical space.
I see a continued need for physical book checkout in my opinion especially for picture book titles for children. The physical art of these books is very engaging to the younger pre-readers and readers. Some books, especially older texts are not available in digital form to lease. On the flipside, libraries will no longer need to maintain stacks of non-fiction materials or journals when this information is easier to access on-line.
Libraries are not going to fade away with advances in technology. Libraries will continue to evolve and meet the challenges of the digital age with knowledge and help for its patrons. As technology has evolved libraries have made their place in this new world known. They are a hub or information and a destination for tools of the digital age.
References
Harris, C. (2014). Fact or fiction? Libraries can thrive in the Digital Age. Phi Delta Kappan, 96(3), 20-25. 10.1177/0031721714557448
Hiltzik, M. (2022, ). BUSINESS; Battle over ebooks centers on idea of ownership; Publishers square off with digital library, testing concept of who controls content. Los Angeles Times https://www.proquest.com/newspapers/business-battle-over-ebooks-centers-on-idea/docview/2757255099/se-2?accountid=35685 http://palomar.on.worldcat.org/atoztitles/link?sid=ProQ:&issn=04583035&volume=&issue=&title=Los+Angeles+Times&spage=A.7&date=2022-12-24&atitle=BUSINESS%253B+Battle+over+ebooks+centers+on+idea+of+ownership%253B+Publishers+square+off+with+digital+library%252C+testing+concept+of+who+controls+content.&au=Hiltzik%252C+Michael&id=doi: http://partneraccess.oclc.org/wcpa/servlet/Search?wcapi=1&wcpartner=proquesta&wcautho=http://palomar.worldcat.org/search&wcissn=04583035&wcdoctype=ser
Levine, E., & Krtalic, M. (2016). Libraries in the digital age: the emerging discipline of digital curation. Information Today, 33(7), 1.
No comments:
Post a Comment