FIRST AND FOREMOST, libraries have always supported their communities — regardless of how their role has evolved over time. As communities change, so too do the institutions that serve them. Librarians are therefore tasked with constantly adapting their services, policies and even design to meet these developments in real-time. With this need to anticipate and respond to short and long-term trends, it’s important to review the movements and developments that are shaping the future of libraries.
01. ACCESSIBILITY & INCLUSIVITY _ Libraries will continue to develop into accessible, inclusive learning centers.
02. SHARED CULTURAL & INTELLECTUAL PRESERVATION_ Libraries will place more focus on co-ownership with their communities when preserving cultural and intellectual history.
03. HOLISTIC SUSTAINABILITY STRATEGIES_ Libraries will emerge as leaders in holistic sustainability
04. CIVIC EMPOWERMENT & MEDIA LITERACY_ We’ll see a growing need for libraries as credible places of civic empowerment, both to foster democracy and prevent the spread of misinformation
05. DIGITAL TOOLS & TRAINING_ Libraries will serve as important portals to new technology and training
21st Century Information & Libraries Network _ INFOLIBNET 