It may seem as though libraries are already killing it in the social media and virtual community building games and there’s little else to tap into. They are killing it and getting even better at it every day. However, there’s always room for growth. A serious potential for that growth comes in the form of library applications. A priority for many librarians and information-seekers is ease of access, whether that be on the go or from home. Specifically for students, accessing research materials and sources from their computer or phone anywhere would streamline their search process and increase availability of the materials they need. Rather than having to log into the library database and find your source, it would be accessible through an app such as OverDrive or Libby. However, there are some concerns with this regarding licensing and general use of library services. If all of your ebooks are available on an app that you can access at anytime, it is possible that less people would walk into the library for help navigating the databases the ebooks originate from. An app has the benefit of a well-structured user experience so students may not need as much assistance from reference librarians when they are working through the research process. Because of this, it is possible that the sources they are finding on their own may not be the most effective for their particular topic or argument. The purpose of the reference interview is to not only show students or patrons how to navigate library databases but also to weed out the sources they may not find helpful for their research. Another concern with library applications is open-access laws and licensing for ebook and journal article databases. What if the current consortium-model does not look to include application use in their agreements? Will libraries then have to do the negotiating with the database companies on their own for use of the same ebooks available on the library website also made available for the app? With publishing companies pulling the strings tighter and tighter on information accessibility it is possible that the greatest restrictions may be placed on app usage.
The future of libraries is an interesting one, there’s a lot of uncertainties about technology application to library services and open-access advocacy. But there is also a lot of exciting things around the corner. For instance, check out the Center for the Future of Libraries, an offshoot of the ALA.Libraries continue to act as community hubs and sources for public assistance and services. Looking to attend a workshop on how to file your taxes? Check out your local library, they may have something like that coming up. Is your teen feeling angsty about life and needs a loving, supportive environment to figure things out in? Take them to the library and talk to the Youth Services Librarian or check out the YA book displays for inspiration. Libraries are no longer just a place to check out books, and they haven’t been serving just one purpose for a long time. Embrace the transformative experience of a library and let it slide into your DM’s so to speak. You never know what you’ll discover! 🙂