7 Ways How Technology is Changing the Future of Libraries
Earlier people used to go to the library to spend their leisure time. What if you came to know that on an average of 10 Americans still spend their leisure time in the library per year? Hard to believe, right? But it’s true. According to a survey named Gallup Poll, more Americans like to go to the library as compared to movies. Besides this, nearly 13.4 women visit the library as compared to men.
Technology continues to evolve as it integrated more into society. Everything is there in our smartphones, from tutorials to E-books. Thus, in this case, isn’t it affecting the way we manage libraries?
Moreover, nowadays, due to COVID, 19 libraries are almost closed. All we have is only E-book. So in this situation, technology is playing a significant role in libraries. In this article, we’ll explore different ways of how technology is changing the future of the library.
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One of the major changes we’ll see in academic libraries is the use of innovative technology. We might see libraries soon adopting new applications of technology as these have to be flexible. Coronavirus pandemic is a sign that academic libraries need to be more adaptive with innovations in learning.
Thus today’s scenario is challenging the skills of librarians. Now they have to implement new technologies for learning, research, and information. This new implementation will improve the patterns of discovery. Indeed, discovering content will be more accessible and relevant to students.
But have you ever thought why libraries are still essential for us as students? Well, let’s explore it more.
7 Reasons Why Academic Libraries are Losing Importance
“Libraries store the energy that fuels the imagination. They open up windows to the world and inspire us to explore and achieve, and contribute to improving our quality of life.” – Sidney Sheldon
As Sheldon says, the library plays an important role in forming students’ life. Since it is an essential source of knowledge, young minds develop vital skills like reading due to the library. But technology is changing the future of education at a pacing rate. The following are some major reasons why academic libraries are losing their importance in students’ life.
1. Impacts Achievements
The library helps students in achieving good grades. Thus it gives a chance to perform better in examination by reading various books. But coronavirus impact shows that students can learn through online mediums too. So if academic libraries want a glowing future, then there is a need to indulge in learning by using technology.
2. Assist Teachers
Libraries facilitate the work of teachers and ensure that every student has equitable resources irrespective of constraints. What do you think professors are all knowledgeable about without going to the library? It offers a variety of books over a topic. Thus it helps professors in research.
However, many professors nowadays believe that Google Scholar is there to assist them instantly. It is more accessible than libraries.
3. Run Learning Programs
There are various libraries which run independent learning program for students. Students are free to integrate technologies and resources. But do you know? Around millions of students are dependent on the internet for online learning programs. These online programs are more convenient and offer to customize learning.
4. Life-long Skills
Libraries make a promise to equip students with the necessary skills. That is why it is like a chance for students to grow their intelligence in an ever-changing social and technological environment. However, one cannot learn these technical skills without technology. Thus libraries need to focus more on digital learning.
5. Helps in Completing Research Work
Students can collect information about anything through the library. Thus it aids students in completing assignments or homework. But technology is replacing this function of the library as many online portals assist students like All Assignment Help, Homework Minutes, and Call Tutor.
6. Enrich Students’ Cultural Growth
Libraries enrich student’s aesthetic and cultural growth since it is full of historical textbooks. Also, it is beneficial for a better intellect. But again, technology gives students a chance to do collaborative learning. Also, you can connect with historical professionals directly and learn from them. These types of e-learning solutions are less costly.
7. A Wide Range of Curriculum Resources
Libraries are a rich source of curriculum resources like fiction, non-fiction textbooks, prints, etc. Besides this, there is broad access to professional development materials. Despite this, many institutions are there which provide their e-libraries to assist students.
Thus we can say that 20-30 years from now, we’ll see libraries with completely paperless reading areas and robotic assistants. Although libraries are evolving with technology, there is more scope of innovation to be seen in the future.
