Highways and byways: future directions for Australian public libraries

Abstract

It is important for libraries to confront and successfully adapt for the future needs of users in a world which is continually and rapidly changing. The Australian Library and Information Association believes that Australian libraries are part of a worldwide network of libraries and that the future success of Australia's public library networks will be determined in part by the future successes, or failures, of public libraries on a global scale. In order to do the planning required, libraries in Australia and internationally are envisioning their future. This research analysed a range of forecasting reports in order to identify the themes and trends that are most likely to have an impact on how Australian public library services are offered, operated, funded and used into the future, a future which is in flux and uncertain. A range of published documents address the predicted future of libraries. These documents cover various time spans, from 2012 out to 2030, and vary in their predictions. The intent of this research project was to map the themes determined from the individual published documents in varying contexts (date span and geographic location) to produce an overview of convergence and divergence. The reports examined are not an exhaustive coverage of the literature that currently exists on the topic of the future of Australian public libraries, let alone the future of libraries generally on a global scale, but the results of the project indicate both agreement and disagreement, enabling a wider view than might be seen by individual organisations.

Getting ready to reduce the digital divide: Scenarios of Lithuanian public libraries

“…The emphasis is increasingly put on the role of public libraries in training or providing skills to use Internet content and services effectively (Cohron, 2015;Jaeger et al, 2012;Kinney, 2010;McKeown, 2016). A survey in Turkey revealed that the majority of public librarians considered ICT skills training one of the main future roles of a public library (Yilmaz & Cevher, 2015); digital literacy training was also considered one of the future roles of the Australian public libraries (O'Hehir & Reynolds, 2015). The content of digital literacy programs proliferates, according to the emerging need to use information in daily problem-solving.…”

Global trends of libraries development: optimism vs pessimism (foreign literature review) Part 1

“…Анализ будущего австралийских публичных библиотек, рассмотренный в статье E. Ohehir и S. Reynolds (2015) [28], подтверждает, что для библиотек важно противостоять внешним вызовам и успешно адаптироваться к будущим потребностям пользователей в мире, который постоянно и быстро меняется. Проведенное исследование позволило определить, что австралийские публичные библиотеки активно пытаются развиваться в качестве центров сообщества в резко меняющемся ландшафте технологических раз-работок, социальных моделей и норм.…”

Engaging with Our Communities: Future Trends and Opportunities for Reference Services

“…However in spite of these pressures, libraries have the opportunity to take a central role in the knowledge economy (Linehan, 2016). Twenty-first century libraries have the opportunity to foster a sense of belonging and local connectedness within communities as a trusted, safe place (O'Hehir & Reynolds, 2015).…”

“…Linehan (2016) proposes public libraries can also be places of exploration, play, performance, creativity, contemplation, reading and research. Creativity is identified as a major trend and measurable outcome, as the library shifts away from being a passive provider to an active participant in encouraging and facilitating users' interests (O'Hehir & Reynolds, 2015). By harnessing principles of participatory culture, libraries can be transformed into transparent, engaged and responsive cultural organisations (Hopkins et al, 2015).…”

“…Connaway (2013) suggests librarians embrace new and unconventional methods for delivering services and building relationships and possess a willingness and eagerness to try new technologies for services. Other relevant skills identified in the literature include community publishing, managing big and open data, people management, facilitation, technical awareness and coordination (O'Hehir & Reynolds, 2015). Librarians may find their expertise used in a mentoring approach; working alongside users to support casual or formal lifelong learning, research and informed decision-making (Arup, 2015).…”