The Changing Role of Libraries by Karin

The 21st century has seen technology develop at a much quicker rate than in the past.  Libraries need to catch up with the times if they are going to continue to be viewed as valuable facilitators of information.  What changes need to take place?  How can libraries best provide access to contemporary resources?  How has the convergence of technologies impacted on the type of layout, services and resources needed in libraries? Overall, what changes need to occur for libraries to meet the needs of people living in the 21st century? 

In the past, students searching for information referred to books or went to libraries.  These days, people have less time so they look for instant information on mobile phones or other mobile devices.  As new technologies are developed, I challenge, shouldn’t libraries have to advance with them?  I believe that libraries need to acknowledge and respond to the fact that increasing time constraints, the emergence of a participatory culture, the convergence of information and communication technologies and the development of mobile media devices have created a demand for libraries to modify their layout, services and resources.  In my opinion, discussion in libraries should be around what changes must be made, not whether changes should be made.  

In Mobile Technologies, Mobile Users: Implications for Academic Libraries, some libraries question why they should, ‘actively investigate mobile technologies and plan for services that take into account a range of devices beyond desktop and laptop computers’.  Won’t libraries that choose not to advance with technology become less utilised as they will no longer meet the needs of society?  Contemporary texts that engage students in experiences and knowledge will directly impact on their lives in cultural, social and ethical ways.  I believe libraries should play a key role in providing fair access to contemporary texts for all and I believe this is best achieved by keeping up to date with technological advancements.  

Younger generations are using mobile devices in more versatile ways.  There are mixed views on the Net Generation’s use of technology.  In Mobile Technologies, Mobile Users, Joan Lippincott mentions that some educators worry that students who are always on technology, are wasting time and impeding their learning.  The author explains that other experts understand that mobile media supports learning, increases the ways in which media content can be created, manipulated and presented and helps students to connect to informal networks of family.   Shouldn’t students be encouraged to use their mobiles for research and networking as these are the skills they will need to be successful in the work force?  If new information resources now exist for mobiles, isn’t it the librarian’s responsibility to make them available?  I believe libraries are in a good position to foster positive attitudes towards the use of mobile devices for information research. 

Regardless of what experts think should happen, students will continue to use mobile devices as they see fit.  Libraries should support students and provide training on how to be effective and ethical users of mobile devices and their content.  I agree with Joan K. Lippincott, that this needs to occur through the development of podcast tutorials aimed at developing skills in  information literacy.  Joan K. Lippincott also suggests the use of mobile compatible tutorials that teach students how to find periodical articles and to evaluate whether Internet resources are credible. 

Students express that mobiles have become integral to their lives and that an integration of personal technologies with institutionally based systems would aide in the creation of a desired seamless flow of study.  Wouldn’t students see more relevance in their study if it could be somehow linked to their mobiles?  If students are requesting a service which they feel will create less frustration, in turn making them more productive, shouldn’t libraries research ways into making this possible?  I feel that a seamless flow of study would provide students with the opportunity to direct more of their spare time to study.  

When librarians decide to update their services, they will need to take many issues into consideration.  Research, into the types of library users that will want to access content on their mobiles and what that content might be, needs to take place.  Librarians will also need to plan for ways in which the physical spaces of libraries will need to be changed to cater for the new devices and their uses.  One challenge faced by librarians is that an increase in the number of electrical devices available will mean that more electrical outlets and storage areas will be required and sufficient network connectivity needs to be catered for.  Spaces, such as group study rooms and multimedia production and presentation spaces, need to be provided for collaborative learning.  Libraries will need to be carefully designed in order to cater for the changing needs of their clientele.

In Net Generation Students and Libraries, students use mobile devices as individualised learning environments.  This, to me, means that academic libraries need to rethink their roles.   Libraries need to act now to support the needs of Net Generation students if they plan to remain important information service providers for generations to come.  Libraries will need to update their services and resources and provide guidance on how to successfully utilise libraries of the 21st century. 

References:

Lippincott J.K, (2008). Mobile Technology, mobile users: Implication for academic libraries. ARL, 261 (December 2008), 1-4.

Lippincott J.K, (2005). Net Generation Students & Libraries. Educase. http://www.educause.edu/Resources/EducatingtheNetGeneration/NetGenerationStudentsandLibrar/6067