Libraries of Today and the Future

Library Technology Today

Everywhere you look online libraries are pulling out new initiatives and introducing new technology to the public. From developing Maker Spaces, offering laptop and tablet device check-out to patrons, as well as offering other technology services such as creating interactive teen tech areas with video games, media technology equipment, and offering instruction on all of these technologies... the possibilities have been endless. Libraries specifically have professional development that is solely for introducing technology training to librarians to enable to them to help patrons (so that way there is a little less of the awful trial and error that happened with computers). One of the latest technologies that has emerged is augmented and virtual reality, which I look forward to seeing someday soon in libraries.

Conclusion

History has proven that libraries had a need to incorporate technology into their operations and services. Computers first were introduced to libraries due to a clear need of another way to organize bibliographic information and make the collection and organization of materials more efficient so that libraries could keep up with the demand of new research and information. Once computers were designed to belong in the personal home, libraries saw a need for the public to have access to them because it was a technology that was suddenly available that no one had any clue how to use. It was a grueling learning process for everyone initially but the excitement of the potential this technology had helped libraries find a fit for computers and launch the information technology services that we are familiar with today. Libraries tried many different services including coin-operated computers and lending computers at first, and then software became available for check out. When the internet came into the picture, internet, as well as search engine and database instruction became a part of library service. The challenges libraries faced were immense. There was a lot of trial by error as librarians had to make time to learn how to use computers at the same time as patrons were trying to try out the new amazing technology. There were issues with equal access as well as censorship. While library computer services have come miles from where it began, some of the issues with equal access and censorship are still a problem in libraries, however, librarians are much more capable of being technologically capable to help patrons with information services. Understanding where libraries came from with computers demonstrates how a library is capable of adapting to big technological change. After finally being able to see the big picture of how computers influenced libraries I am more confident in believing that libraries will remain relevant because they are conditioned to be an evolving and learning environment for our changing communities. Considering how much libraries have learned after incorporating computers into library services it should not be nearly as difficult to incorporate the next latest and greatest in technology into future libraries.