Libraries of 21st century
Today Libraries are great sources for education, research and community engagement, adapting and evolving to meet the changing needs of society. Libraries are embracing the common learning models and providing a flexible and supportive environment for learning and knowledge creation; such activities ensure that libraries remain an essential resource for education and lifelong learning in the digital age. Libraries in old age were repositories of information, but now it has become great sources for exploration, discovery and creativity; these are places where learners from different spheres come together to share ideas, collaborate on projects and engage in a range of learning activities that extend beyond traditional classroom activities.
Libraries of the present era are no longer limited to the physical space within their walls. Modern libraries offer various services outside their walls, both online and in-person; some useful services are online databases through Virtual Private Networks, and one can access e-books, audiobooks, e-journals and other digital content; these services can be accessed from anywhere anytime with an internet connection. Some libraries of the 21st century offer mobile library services which bring library materials to community centres, schools and retirement homes. Libraries in developed countries offer community outreach programs to connect with underserved populations to promote literacy and education, like story-times, book clubs, author talks, etc. In the 21st century, all libraries can only fulfil the demands of potential customers with a limited budget; in this case, they have partnered with other organizations to offer services outside the library walls. Online programs are yet another good initiative of modern libraries; many libraries offer online programs for remote users, such as virtual author talks, online book clubs and workshops via Zoom. These programs can be accessed from anywhere via the Internet.
Libraries in the 21st century have adopted innovative technology to reach a wider audience and provide access to information in more efficient ways; for this, they have adopted emerging technologies like Online Public Access Catalogs (OPAC) because, in an earlier age, people used a card catalogue to find their desired information, now libraries have transformed their physical and electronic material via online catalogue where one can find their desired information in both physical and electronic formats. The libraries of the present age have made it easier for librarians to manage the circulation of material for users to borrow and return items; for this, they have designed an Automated Circulation System wherefrom one can check in, check out, and renew their library material in sophisticated ways. In modern libraries, many developed countries have adopted Digital Preservation technologies which preserve and make accessible rare and fragile materials. These technologies include digital imaging, digital conversion, and digital storage etc.
Some libraries in developed countries have adopted cutting-edge technologies to reach out to their potential customers; a few worth-mentioning technologies are Artificial Intelligence, cloud computing, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), Virtual and Augmented Reality, Open Access, Digital Humanities, 3D Printing, mobile applications, Big Data and Internet of Things etc.
These technologies offer vital services to potential customers and make them convenient with the latest information. In short, libraries of the present eras are finding new and innovative ways to fulfil and satisfy the needs of their present and retrospective patrons.
—The writer is Deputy Director, Library Services at the Institute of Strategic Studies, Islamabad.
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