Library of the old university in Copenhaan
See how computers are making their way into
the central axis of the library
Image: pnoeric | Flickr

With the advent of the digital age, numerous writers and even artists have given thought to what the future of the library will bring. Have you, as an architect, given any thought to how the digital era is changing libraries today — where certain functions within the library are seeming to fade away while other functions are becoming magnified as they are central to what will make libraries evermore important in the future?

In a thought-provoking article that I recently read, written by Seth Godin and entitled The Future of the Library, Godin’s “take” on the library hits a core point as he explains… “[t]he librarian isn’t a clerk who happens to work at a library. A librarian is a data hound, a guide, a sherpa and a teacher. The librarian is the interface between reams of data and the untrained but motivated user”. And it is here where the importance of library rests, in what I call “sensemaking” — whether that be the “Seth Godin librarian”, or even the library architecture which may act as an extension to what the librarian, patrons and fostered information yield.

Library as a Dynamic Center for Idea Interaction

As books evolve into and from the digital world, they are becoming evermore ubiquitous, where more users are able to grasp more information more quickly. And because of this, there are many people who assume that because information is becoming decentralized, that it may be the end of libraries, deeming them less important as “books” become more widespread. Yet, with all of this information that is “everywhere”, there will, I believe, be greater need for “sensemaking” abilities — that is, the ability to Read more

Image: pnoeric | Flickr

LIBRARY EVOLUTION

As data is being “stored” and “networked” in the digital age, some people question the future of library architecture. Two leading questions are as follows:

• “How will the library evolve?
• “Will the library (as we know it today) become obsolete?”

Most present-day libraries help to foster a sense of community with an emphasis on learning where people can interact, explore, study and research. However, the library is evolving (as most institutions do) and its future is bound to transform what we know about how libraries operate today.

The library will not become obsolete, but it will evolve.

ACCESSIBLE TO EVERYONE

How architects incorporate design elements like light, materiality or even nature may change, but such essentials will most always be Read more

Yulianquan | Dreamstime

Libraries have been undergoing the need for a facelift ever since the introduction of the computing revolution. This type of institution is providing for more than simply the borrowing of books. New functions are defining how libraries serve their communities as they continue to emerge. Computer terminals with internet access and digital book inventory access are quickly becoming things of the past as even newer library programs surface. Libraries are evolving and surrounding communities are benefiting.

Nowadays, libraries are focusing on youth as they continue to refine their market beyond information sharing. Cutting-edge libraries are fostering fun activities that provide place for youth to go – a hang-out of sorts. According to the article Libraries Tap Pop Culture to Reach Teenagers in the Boston Globe, libraries are becoming a place where kids can go to do homework, check email, hang out or even play Wii. Thus, library design becomes more than an institution for sharing information. It is evolving more and more by integrating latest technologies to interact with surrounding community culture.

Hopefully, by targeting youth, libraries are becoming fun places that foster a learning culture. Some programs discussed in the article involve origami workshops and gingerbread house making. Perhaps libraries will be able to make information sharing a more interactive, hands on experience.

It is nice to see how libraries are finding there place in modern-day society. With the advent of the internet, libraries were thought by some to eventually disappear as they were predicted to fade into the background. How do you think libraries will continue to evolve? Will they continue to cater to information sharing by hosting more and more computer terminals and interactive applications? …or will libraries evolve into community center type schools where learning is the key function? Perhaps the merger of the two scenarios is best.

It is my hope that libraries continue to evolve, finding their own proper place in community and society. Perhaps as new technologies unfold, libraries may specialize in a type of data mining where information is not only available but can be intelligently searched and sorted for users. As the quantity of information grows and grows, libraries may find their niche by continuing as research and learning centers that integrate advanced technologies.

There is no doubt that libraries can be fun learning centers. As technology continues to integrate into library functions, we will most likely see new and creative way to research, learn and interact within a community. Undoubtedly, libraries will continue to find their path as societies and communities advance. The key is for libraries to not shut out developing technologies. As a whole, this institution type must embrace them as they target youth and adults alike.

Finding purpose in going to a library is crucial. Social interaction in learning is great for all ages and research assistance makes for meaningful practice. Libraries as social, research and learning institutions will continue onward. We just have to convince financial stakeholders to update them for modern-day and future use. Yes, libraries can continue to be social learning community hubs. They just have to know how to embrace change through their design as they grow evermore technologically interactive.