Have Libraries Been Made Obsolete by the Technology Revolution?

This is a question that comes up from time to time, usually from people who assume that libraries are merely depositories for books. So I asked our library consultant - Randy Gibson at PSA/Dewberry - how he responds to this. Here's what he had to say:

"Today’s libraries are more relevant today than perhaps at anytime in their existence. It is true that libraries still maintain their historic role as a depository of books, vital research records, media materials, and historical documents. In fact, some of these materials are evolving into digital formats making them nearly infinitely more accessible to people beyond the physical boundaries of the Library. In this regard, libraries play an even larger role as the keeper and cataloger of materials for the general public’s use. This is a powerful service that provides opportunities to people of every socio-economic group.

Besides the broadening of the Library’s traditional role, the other major change in its service (and relevancy) to the public is in its role as cultural center destination. Today’s library, more than ever before, is an active community space where meetings take place, ideas are exchanged and debated, and where events and programs occur. In addition, they serve as an institution that provides free access to the Internet, to DVDs, CDs, and other highly desired materials. In short, libraries have evolved into the community’s intellectual, cultural, and to a certain degree, its recreational center. No other civic body is remotely able to fulfill this vital role.

Technology has transformed the Library in both obvious and subtle ways. No doubt most are aware of the increasing popularity and need for free public Internet access. Look at a modern library and you will see row after row of computers with many if not all being used (irrespective of economic conditions). Perhaps more profound, if not significantly more subtle, is the effect that technology has had on library use. Technology and our subsequent ability to communicate without actually interacting with others has had a certain dehumanizing effect on society. Because of this, the Library has become a popular place to “see and be seen.” In fact, it has become, really, the town square or village green of earlier times. This transformation is still in progress.

At the onset of the technology revolution, many, including librarians, worried about the relevancy of the Library and whether it would have a meaningful purpose in the future. During the 15 years or so after these concerned were uttered, the Library has become an even more vital public institution with a greater and more far-reaching role to play."

In addition, here's a brief article that really resonated for me. Written by Greta Thompson from the Outagamie Waupaca Library System, it describes how:

• The library supports democracy
• The library helps businesses
• The library fosters community
• The library levels the playing field
• The library nourishes learning and creativity
• Librarians help transform data into knowledge

I was particularly inspired by her quote from Democracy and the Public Library: Essays on Fundamental Issues by Arthur W. Hafner (Editor)

“The public library is the only institution in American society whose purpose is to guard against the tyrannies of ignorance and conformity, and its existence indicates the extent to which a democratic society values knowledge, truth, justice, books, and culture.”