Libraries in the Digital Age by Brigitte Foisy

In a world where digital advancements are moving at the greatest speed ever, librarians all over the world are having to hang on to their hats and hold on tight!

Above is a computer-generated picture of an all-digital library. It may seem futuristic, but believe it or not, they already exist! Check out this YouTube video from CBS News about a Public Library in Texas that is 100% book-free! This is just one of a handful of all digital libraries that exist today:

So where do we fit in? What does a librarian do in a library with no books? Fortunately, it should be quite some time before all libraries are 100% digital, but as of today, all libraries are at least partially digital and the digital growth is not slowing down. Library staff needs to see the transition as a positive. "The libraries of the future are more than just housing centers for books and media. They are invigorating meeting places and communities where truly meaningful learning and discovery take place." (Crockett, 2018).

Just as library staff is able to assist patrons in finding the right book, for example, we are also able to help them find the right website. We are evolving into informational specialists. The job of the library staff has always been and will always be to assist patrons in accessing information. The way we go about this job has changed over the years and will continue to do so. It is our responsibility to grow with the times. We can teach our patrons how to use the technology in our libraries; how to check out eBooks, start a blog, find trustworthy resources through information literacy, set up or use email...the list goes on. 

"The fact is we have always needed librarians as guides and providers to assist us in learning and discovery. Furthermore, we must realize that librarians in the information age play a critical role in our access to and application of knowledge." (Crockett, 2018).

Resources:

CBS This Morning. “Completely digital library opens in Texas.” YouTube, 30 Dec. 2008, youtu.be/qUfpoanU4lc

Crockett, Lee Watanabe. “LIBRARIANS LEAD THE GROWTH: Of Information Literacy and Global Digital Citizens.” Knowledge Quest, vol. 46, no. 4, Mar. 2018, pp. 28–33. EBSCOhost, search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=128199629&site=ehost-live&scope=site.