On the surface, it may seem that the revolution in information technology is a threat to traditional libraries, but it’s actually the greatest opportunity in the history of the mission of libraries of providing public access to knowledge. Physical availability of collections need no longer be looked at as a constraint. Imagine the wave of creativity unleashed and how many more can contribute their ideas and solutions if anyone can read anything anytime and anywhere. The info tech industry, founded with that mission, has been diverted while libraries have not. Libraries must also ensure access and connectivity, especially for those most in need. And we must help citizens learn how to use digital tools, code, and search effectively, and not be satisfied with superficial data. The mission of ensuring an informed and skilled civil society can now explode in possibilities, with our old beloved libraries at the core. Learn how the library industry is changing, adapting, and capitalizing on the vast possibilities of technology to deliver public access to all.
Friday Video: Why Libraries Are the Original and Future Open Source Platform
Published on Jun 30, 2015
