I will start this post with a video from a public library from Toronto, Canada
The function of libraries will evolve in accordance with our world. For example, it has been suggested that libraries will cease to be places where content is collected and mediated, but will instead be recognized as a place where institutionally-created content is curated. Elsewhere, it has been argued that traditional perceptions of the library as mere collectors of information objects needs to be vigorously challenged so that libraries are recognized as the place to go in search of support in the process of converting information into new knowledge.
Technology continues to evolve, and as it does it is becoming more and more integrated with society.. Smart appliances and voice controlled assistants are just two examples of how technology is evolving to make people’s lives easier. As technology changes the way we manage our lives, will it also affect the way libraries are managed?
Lets see few technologies for future libraries
1. Library bookmark and guide
An interesting concept from a Chinese design company Toout. This little tiny device is in the first place a regular bookmark. But on top of that it also has features that could make using the library much easier.
First of all, the device would be a perfect companion when navigating through the library, by giving turn-by-turn directions to the book the patron wants.The device could also keep track of all borrowed books, as well as remind the user of the return dates.
2. Augmented reality apps
librARi is a concept of an image based augmented reality application, created by Pradeep Siddappa. A lot has been said about using augmented reality in libraries, but there are few examples that would let us actually see it. The app would point you to the new arrivals. It would also be able to find and point to similar books. Simple, but useful, and very probable.
3. Book delivery drone
To get the book from a library, you can either go and find it, or you can let it find you. The future belongs to unmanned flying machines, and just like Amazon drones can deliver the goods to customers, libraries could deliver the books to patrons.
Library drone is not even the close future. It’s already happening. Australian start-up Flirtey has teamed up with a book rental service Zookal to create – the first in the world – textbook delivery system.
4. Digital interface for print books
Anyone who tried e-books would never give up the convenience of a digital interface and all other helpful tools. Searching the content of the book (including smart search), looking for a reference on the web, getting an instant translation, writing notes, or collecting book passages – all this can be done on the same device that we use to read an e-book. We can obviously borrow an ebook instead of a print book, but here is a better idea – enhance the print book with a digital interface.
Finger Link is a project currently developed by Fujitsu that will let you use digital tools to work with a printed book.
5. Print on demand machines
Bookless libraries, where you can’t find a single print book, launch regularly. They obviously won’t kill traditional libraries, just like e-books don’t kill print books. The digital-only route has its disadvantages.
To me, every digital-only library should offer their patrons the ability to instantly make a print version of the book. Let’s put aside the question who is going to pay for this. The most important question is that sometimes the book has to be real to make use of it.
Futuristic Libraries
Innovations will also lead to advancements in digital data management that will result in more accurate subject search results and citations while enabling libraries to more effectively curate and display relevant resources.
Libraries are going through a renaissance(transformation or rebirth), both in terms of the social infrastructure they provide and in terms of a diversification of the services and experiences offered. In corporate environments they are playing an increasingly important role in the provision of collaborate workspace and innovation. In communities they are evolving into hubs for education, health, entertainment and work.
The function of libraries will evolve in accordance with our world. For example, it has been suggested that libraries will cease to be places where content is collected and mediated, but will instead be recognized as a place where institutionally-created content is curated. Elsewhere, it has been argued that traditional perceptions of the library as mere collectors of information objects needs to be vigorously challenged so that libraries are recognized as the place to go in search of support in the process of converting information into new knowledge.
Technology continues to evolve, and as it does it is becoming more and more integrated with society.. Smart appliances and voice controlled assistants are just two examples of how technology is evolving to make people’s lives easier. As technology changes the way we manage our lives, will it also affect the way libraries are managed?
Lets see few technologies for future libraries
1. Library bookmark and guide
An interesting concept from a Chinese design company Toout. This little tiny device is in the first place a regular bookmark. But on top of that it also has features that could make using the library much easier.
First of all, the device would be a perfect companion when navigating through the library, by giving turn-by-turn directions to the book the patron wants.The device could also keep track of all borrowed books, as well as remind the user of the return dates.
2. Augmented reality apps
librARi is a concept of an image based augmented reality application, created by Pradeep Siddappa. A lot has been said about using augmented reality in libraries, but there are few examples that would let us actually see it. The app would point you to the new arrivals. It would also be able to find and point to similar books. Simple, but useful, and very probable.
3. Book delivery drone
To get the book from a library, you can either go and find it, or you can let it find you. The future belongs to unmanned flying machines, and just like Amazon drones can deliver the goods to customers, libraries could deliver the books to patrons.
Library drone is not even the close future. It’s already happening. Australian start-up Flirtey has teamed up with a book rental service Zookal to create – the first in the world – textbook delivery system.
4. Digital interface for print books
Anyone who tried e-books would never give up the convenience of a digital interface and all other helpful tools. Searching the content of the book (including smart search), looking for a reference on the web, getting an instant translation, writing notes, or collecting book passages – all this can be done on the same device that we use to read an e-book. We can obviously borrow an ebook instead of a print book, but here is a better idea – enhance the print book with a digital interface.
Finger Link is a project currently developed by Fujitsu that will let you use digital tools to work with a printed book.
5. Print on demand machines
Bookless libraries, where you can’t find a single print book, launch regularly. They obviously won’t kill traditional libraries, just like e-books don’t kill print books. The digital-only route has its disadvantages.
To me, every digital-only library should offer their patrons the ability to instantly make a print version of the book. Let’s put aside the question who is going to pay for this. The most important question is that sometimes the book has to be real to make use of it.
Futuristic Libraries
Innovations will also lead to advancements in digital data management that will result in more accurate subject search results and citations while enabling libraries to more effectively curate and display relevant resources.
Libraries are going through a renaissance(transformation or rebirth), both in terms of the social infrastructure they provide and in terms of a diversification of the services and experiences offered. In corporate environments they are playing an increasingly important role in the provision of collaborate workspace and innovation. In communities they are evolving into hubs for education, health, entertainment and work.
