Library 2020: Today's leading visionaries describe tomorrow's library

摘要

Joseph Janes' mission was to survey prominent members of the library community, asking them to articulate their vision of libraries in 2020. Why 2020? This year was chosen because it is far enough out that exciting things might have happened but not so far as to be unimaginable. Twenty-four short papers tell us that in 2020 libraries 1. will be transformed by digitisation (for better or worse); 2. will be in space and ruled by geeks; 3. will be everywhere and somewhere, a vibrant hub; 4. will be in smithereens and crumbling; 5. will be information base camps, essential for the community; 6. will be about what it does, not what it has; 7. will be a concept not a place; 8. will be still around (probably); 9. will be better than ever. This book is neither a textbook nor a handbook but rather a collection of insightful, sometimes inspirational, commentaries from 24 of today's library leaders on what they expect libraries to be like in just seven years. Obviously people are demanding more and more information digitally, in formats they choose and at locations they choose. The information environment is no longer under the control of gatekeepers, so while librarians still have a responsibility to maintain access to reliable information, people will continue to use a variety of sources. However, the unprecedented speed and volume of information available for consumption feels like trying to take a drink from a fire hydrant. So in addition to information overload, there is also filter failure. Libraries that can provide well-crafted, efficient filters, thereby saving time for busy people, will continue to be sought after.