The academic library directors met on July 31, 2019. This SIG focused on an activity that created scenarios for possible futures. Using trends from the Center for the Future of Libraries, three groups imagined how specific trends have reshaped other sectors (education, government, tourism, transportation, sports and play, hobbies and recreation) and how libraries have responded to changes in the environment.
The group also discussed answers to some "burning questions"
Trends: Fast casual, marketing, but also how we design services and spaces that can be transformed .
Focus on emerging adulthood – extensions of adulthood
Looking 5 years in the future:
They have a particularly significant impact on: young adults and how they influence the future. Balance between what they learn and what they teach and how it impacts society. Fast casual – make spaces more welcoming. Public spaces where places may not have felt welcome in the past – changed in order to make this work. Making spaces more visually appealing. Less transactional and more experiential
For example:
The library changed: The library has made changes to their physical spaces. Flexible, and adaptable for groups and individuals. Changed how we let people use technology. Provide different technologies that we may not have had in the past.
This new library: Will connect with students. Have peers helping peers navigate the space. Extend the space beyond the traditional 4 year student. How to provide or extend to others beyond the immediate community. Use of displays. Welcoming space and appealing and get people to come in.
Trends: Digital Natives and Badging
The year is 2029
They have a particularly significant impact on: Badging is trend and is becoming legitimate in certain professional areas. This is a trend that is attractive to digital natives. Students are more comfortable with digital and possibly intimidated by the physical book and the checkout process.
Mini libraries in dorms. QR codes on materials that are distributed across campus.
Trends: Co-working and co-living spaces. Individuals live in spaces with shared spaces.
Data everywhere – internet connected devices and how our personal data is being used
They have a particularly significant impact on: the real estate market. Fewer people buying homes. More co-living spaces are being built. Real estate companies are partnering with businesses like Amazon
For example:
The library changed: The physical spaces and services have changed. Promote co-working spaces. Students and faculty? Provide co-working spaces for faculty. Students who are used to living with technology that anticipates their needs. How can we provide materials to them before they even ask for it?
Use the library for co-working space for new graduates. A place to start a business. Expectations for easily have access to materials. Connections between amazon and libraries.
Where are the physical collections?
Digital natives prefer physical books – how can we use this importation
Get them to walk through the library and lstay
Collections as a group may come and go from the library
Different uses for the spaces
Students want to be near and around the physical books
Reading and making it part of student’s life and lifestyle
Importance of physical collections. How important are they to the institution?
Do we need security gates anymore?
Open library, like going fine free. What does this mean for collections? Charges for lost/damaged books.
Open Access/ Open Educational Resources