The future of libraries
Posted by: Annie
It’s an interesting time to be getting a MLIS. I already feel as though I’m sailing through uncharted waters as I “log in” to my first day of online library school and join in on the week’s discussion board. Shortly after the friendly introductions, the conversation turns to questions like: “Is print reference dead?” “Will e-books replace physical books?” “How can reference librarians compete with the all-powerful Google?” and scariest of all, “Are libraries and librarians becoming obsolete?”
Discussing the relevance of your new career choice on the first day of class isn’t terribly encouraging. But in this new digital era, as future librarians, we’ve been persuaded to start re-evaluating the traditional role of the librarian and begin thinking of new methods to connect library services and technology. In other words: make technology your friend.
In the spirit of forward-thinking, a classmate shared this article from CNN that discusses the future of libraries—a future that may or may not include books. While this does seem extreme, clearly change is in the air. Long gone are the days of a “librarian” working in a “library.” According to some, I’m on the fast track to becoming an “information scientist” working in an “Urban Media Space.” An interesting time to be getting a MLIS, indeed.
