Repositioning the Richmond Public Library for the Digital Age: One Library's Perspective

摘要

Richmond Public Library, B.C., Canada, believes that the public library and the profession of the librarian is in danger of becoming marginalized by the tools and products of the digital age. Thus, it is acting aggressively to change its roles and responsibilities. The Library developed an extensive award-winning technology teaching program and an innovative and award-winning community-based Web site and became the creator of a technology column for the local newspaper. In addition, the Library creates, markets, and sells technology services to businesses and organizations in the community. This article presents an in-the-trenches perspective of one public library that embraced the digital environment and discusses the impact and important benefits to the Library.