Thursday, April 25, 2019


Libraries in the Digital Age – Erika Westrich

With the evolution of the digital age, libraries will die or evolve. “The internet has already had a major impact on how people find and access information, and now the rising popularity of e-books is helping transform Americans’ reading habits. In this changing landscape, public libraries are trying to adjust their services to these new realities while still serving the needs of patrons who rely on more traditional resources” (Library Services).
The Pew Research Center conducted a nationwide survey of Americans 16-years and older, about the importance of libraries and what services they would benefit from when using a library.
“Moreover, a notable share of Americans say they would embrace even wider uses of technology at libraries such as:
§  Online research services allowing patrons to pose questions and get answers from librarians: 37% of Americans ages 16 and older would “very likely” use an “ask a librarian” type of service, and another 36% say they would be “somewhat likely” to do so.
§  Apps-based access to library materials and programs: 35% of Americans ages 16 and older would “very likely” use that service and another 28% say they would be “somewhat likely” to do so.
§  Access to technology “petting zoos” to try out new devices: 35% of Americans ages 16 and older would “very likely” use that service and another 34% say they would be “somewhat likely” to do so.
§  GPS-navigation apps to help patrons locate material inside library buildings: 34% of Americans ages 16 and older would “very likely” use that service and another 28% say they would be “somewhat likely” to do so.
§  “Redbox”-style lending machines or kiosks located throughout the community where people can check out books, movies or music without having to go to the library itself: 33% of Americans ages 16 and older would “very likely” use that service and another 30% say they would be “somewhat likely” to do so.
§  “Amazon”-style customized book/audio/video recommendation schemes that are based on patrons’ prior library behavior: 29% of Americans ages 16 and older would “very likely” use that service and another 35% say they would be “somewhat likely” to do so” (Library Services).

When it comes to libraries in the digital age and presentation tools the idea of, “Ask A Librarian”, could be a great tool to create for libraries. A device, similar to Siri or Alexa, could be developed into an app using a program similar to VOKI. Patrons could ask about books, directions, library hours, programs the library offers, as well as many more categories. This would be beneficial to busy patrons who do not have time to search the libraries website, as well as people with vision or reading deficiencies.
With the technological developments of today, everyone wants information quick. If libraries can be innovative and stay ahead of the demand, their existence will not go the way of the dinosaurs.





Works Cited:

“Library Services in the Digital Age – Summary of Findings.” Pew Internet. Pew Research Center. 2019. https://www.pewinternet.org/2013/01/22/library-services/. Accessed 22 April 2019.

Oddcast Inc. 2019. https://www.voki.com/. Accessed 22 April 2019.


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