Libraries are known as to be a free place where people can go to access information and share information and the ability to distribute content to the public. I see this philosophy of libraries not to change, but how information is exchanged and how the library distributes their content. With libraries being low on everybody’s budget, I see fewer and smaller libraries. I do believe that free public libraries will have to charge for their services the public wants. There will always be a role for paper books. In 2020 I see libraries being in the digital age of ebooks and lending the ebooks and fewer paper books. Libraries will have digital files that can be access from anywhere as long as the user wants to pay for the access to the file (no more free service).In 2020 I still feel people won’t be able to afford cab le or internet service and may have to use the library to access the internet and get the information they need. New rules will have to be in place for how libraries lend digital materials. Libraries will need to offer virtual series, multimedia areas, and librarians will be a knowledge navigator. Library schools will have to change their curriculum to meet the new demands of the digital age of libraries and the librarian will know how to be the knowledge navigator and where all types of hats.
In 2020 I do not know what role that Google will play, Netflix, U Tube and social networks in the libraries. I see libraries doing more Webinars and less in personal sessions. Where do I see my library in 2020? I do not know, we are already low on funding and budget. We have to fight for internet freedom (no filters). I would like to see us have some digital materials and be able to use social networks for communication. Reality is there may not be many changes to our library mostly due to cost. The future of any library will be funding and how much does it cost and can we afford to provide that service for free or will the patron have to pay for services they are custom of having for free.
I hope we can contiue to be a group and use our CDLC Learn blogs to exchange information and communicate. Great course. Thanks Polly for all your hard work and CDLC for allowing this course to actually happen.