Reflecting on the Future of Academic and Public Libraries by Peter Hernon

by Peter Hernon

Academic and public libraries are much different today than they were even 15 years ago. And with even bigger changes on the horizon, what lies in store? In this systematic attempt to speak to academic and public librarians about the future of library services, Hernon and Matthews invite a raft of contributors to step back and envision the type of future library that will generate excitement and enthusiasm among users and stakeholders. Anyone interested in the future of libraries, especially library managers, will be engaged and stimulated as the contributors Examine the current state of the library, summarizing existing literature on the topic to sketch in historical background Project into the future, using SWOT analysis, environmental scans, and other techniques to posit how library infrastructure (such as staff, collections, technology, and facilities) can adapt in the decades ahead Construct potential scenarios that library leaders can use to forge paths for their own institutionsThe collection of knowledge and practical wisdom in this book will help academic and public libraries find ways to honor their missions while planning for the broader institutional changes already underway.

Genres: Nonfiction, Library Science

Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 2013

Reviews

[Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

A good representative collection of essays about the future of Libraries. The book reflects the thought and analysis of many administrators and library researchers. How does the future look? Radically different, but we're still there.
This is a must read for professional librarians involved in library planning.
Others will prefer Sominex.

[Steve · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some useful thoughts here for those interested in and involved in planning for the future of libraries. The scenario process outlined seems potentially useful when scalable. Difficult to imagine engaging in that thoroughgoing a process for a very small academic (or public) library, however.

[Cathy Wood · Rating 4 out of 5]

A useful read - probably more so for those already working in a library. This book talks about the scenario creating process, as well as listing several basic scenarios for both academic and public libraries. An excellent starting point for discussion about the future of a given library.

[Danielle · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book, written in 2013, doesn't take the future far enough. It almost reiterates the same problems of the book "Future libraries: dreams, madness reality," by Walt Crawford and Michael Gorman from 1995. It is a shame that librarians are not thinking more progressively.

[Sara · Rating 2 out of 5]

Obviously I've been working in libraries too long because most of these essays just made me laugh cynically.

[ACRL]

Read by ACRL Member of the Week Lian Ruan. Learn more about Lian on the ACRL Insider blog.