Evolving the Library: Creating Modern Community Hubs
The rise of digital
technologies has challenged the traditional notion of public libraries. They
are no longer institutions that solely offer printed material for literacy and
learning. In fact, with the introduction of the internet, the volume of online
information now exceeds that available in every physical library in the
world.
This, coupled with
advances in digital accessibility, not only meant that information was
available anytime anywhere, but it also imposed a sense of urgency for
libraries around the world to reinvent themselves as “the heart of the
community”. In Australia, public libraries evolved to take on diverse roles
within the community. They now focus on educational, health, personal, social
and digital skill development.
By creating flexible, multipurpose spaces libraries can go beyond their
traditional book-based services, and once again become the hubs of community by
supporting the local economy, fostering innovation and aiding education.
Ahead of the Next Generation Libraries
Summit 2018 we take a look at how three State Libraries from Victoria, New
South Wales and Queensland are transforming and evolving their service
offerings in an effort to become 21st Century community hubs.
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