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Libraries in the 21st Century: Global Trends, Challenges &
Opportunities
Sanjiv K. Sain
Research Scholar, Himalayiya University Dehradun, India
Librarian, DIT University, Dehradun, India
E-mail: sanjivsain74@gmail.com
Ms. Asha Negi
Research Scholar, Himalayiya University, Dehradun, India
Library Assistant, DIT University, Dehradun, India
E-mail: negi6395788819@gmail.com
Abstract
Due to COVID and other external forces,
libraries have experienced drastic changes in
recent years. As librarians look ahead to the
future, here are some key trends that will shape
their needs going forward. Libraries face new
challenges as digital services and delivery
models enhance access. As the landscape in
which libraries operate continues to evolve,
librarians will require tools that will allow them
to adapt quickly to changing circumstances. This
will enable them to serve patrons more
effectively, make better spending decisions, and
ultimately provide more value. The library
sector has emerged from the pandemic stronger,
more resilient, and more vital than ever. It is
now their responsibility to demonstrate their
value and prove their importance to the
communities they serve. Having the right digital
platform can accelerate innovation and keep
libraries ahead of any challenges the future may
bring. Thousands of people rely on libraries for
inspiration, escape and shelter. In the wake of a
pandemic, libraries around the world are trying
to innovate to serve today's patrons. Customers
are looking for methods to get involved in
current debates at the neighborhood library and
reconnect with their local community now that
the COVID-19 pandemic has passed. The
library industry has evolved and adapted to the
changing environment just like most businesses.
Libraries have benefited from this, which has
sparked innovation. The future looks promising
and exciting for libraries willing to embrace
change as a result of the emerging trends,
challenges & opportunities for shaping the
future of libraries. We examine five tendencies
that will affect libraries in the future as a result
of the various ways they have responded to the
pandemic.
Keywords
Emerging, Trends, Future of Library,
Challenges, Opportunities, Management, users
of library, library technology
Introduction
“Rising expectations are prompting libraries to
improve the patron experience.”
R. Ranganathan "The library is a growing
organism," This law, which is suitable for the
environment of the 21st-century library, placed a
greater emphasis on the necessity of internal
transformation than on modifications to the
facility itself. A modern librarian is someone
who incorporates information systems with the
traditional skills of librarianship and has the
teaching ability to innovate to manage
knowledge. A modern librarian today is
distinguished by two things the technology and
the knowledge management. Whichever the
case, there is no perception that the 21st century
will experience a substantial change in the
library and its role in academic research.
Online learning resources, social media
platforms, and adapting and flexible mobile
applications are expanding libraries'
"boundaries" beyond their physical space. It is
still possible to redefine libraries and revive their
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role and obligations in users-oriented, scholarly,
and corporate organizations despite these
dangers and vulnerabilities.
Libraries are continue to be hubs where
individuals go to acquire knowledge and learn
new things. In the emerging information age, a
new value is generated in highly collaborative
environments by utilizing instantly absorbable
information. This is taking place in an
environment in which new knowledge is
becoming available to the general public at an
accelerating rate as a result of cost-
effective technologies and increasingly flexible
copyright regulations. This will implicate
customizers with spaces in future libraries in
which experiences of different could perhaps
occur or where individuals can quickly connect
hand-picked information both in traditional and
digital forms. The difficulty for librarians will be
to better comprehend the needs of their
consumers so that they can give them pertinent
information.
This study looks at some of the new trends
influencing public, academic, and corporate
libraries in the future. Users of libraries must
contend with fast declining resources and
expanding technological opportunities and
difficulties in many nations throughout the
world. Budget cuts to libraries have forced the
closure of 324 libraries in the United Kingdom
since 2011. The acquisition and preservation of
pertinent collections that are freely accessible to
the general public will face new obstacles as a
result of the exponential growth of digital media
in the post-Gutenberg knowledge era.
Alternative income and performance techniques
will also need to be taken into consideration in
order to offer sufficient human and financial
resources for future library services to prosper,
in addition to the promising use of social media.
Libraries play a crucial role in trying to shape a
sense of belonging. They include an inclusive
correlation to resources, knowledge, and
services. Many libraries will serve rural areas,
and they are critical to ensuring equal access
irrespective of race, age, gender, or sexual
orientation. While the digital world moves
quickly and libraries facilitate this connection,
those who seek solace in the physical world
benefit from the opportunities that a library, as a
gathering place, can provide. New physical
space design, functions, and purposes are
unavoidable, but what remains constant is equal
access for all and the advantage to diversify
one's perspectives.
Demographic and lifestyle changes, as well as
technological innovations, are reshaping how
learning is delivered and accessed. Lifelong
learning can be informal or formally accepted,
and it is made possible by personal devices'
overpowering on-the-go access to information.
Because libraries are crucial places for learning,
the spaces they occupy and the services they
provide will initiate unavoidable changes.
Libraries will continue to be places that allow us
to learn, explore, and grow. The new value is
added to collaborative working conditions by
using instantly absorbable information.
Librarians will need to think about learning new
skills, escalating collaborative efforts, and taking
a multi-disciplinary approach to their
profession.Emerging technologies have the
potential to transform libraries and library
professionals, as well as keep library
professionals up to date on current technology
trends, allowing libraries to grow.
Emerging Technologies & Trends in Libraries
A library's job now encompasses all forms of
data, including text, metadata, photographs, audio
files, video, research data, 3D digital copies, and
software, in addition to books, periodicals, and
catalogue data. Following the logic of the 19th
century, referencing, indexing, and displaying
these items would progressively become outdated
in the face of new technologies. It is not
necessary for libraries to persist their own data.
They can also handle and examine data from
outside sources. Managing electronic resources.
1. Management of E-resources
E-books, e-journals, online databases, and other
digitally accessible materials are all examples of
electronic resources. Libraries can utilize e-
resource management software to keep track of
the acquisition, use, maintenance, authorization,
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evaluation, reservation, and selection of their
electronic information resources.
2. RFID Implementation
(RFID) automatically reads and tracks tags linked
to library materials using electromagnetic fields.
The most recent technology used to track
inventory and improve library theft detection
systems is RFID-based library management
systems. By streamlining processes and
minimizing reliance on humans, this technology
improves the security of libraries and increases
their efficiency. RFID expedites the borrowing
and withdrawal operations for users. RFID,
therefore, helps libraries save the time and the
money.
3. Cloud Computing
To improve efficiency and cut costs, libraries all
over the world are implementing cloud
computing. This library management system is
crucial for creating digital repositories or
libraries. The best possible use of infrastructure,
personnel, and other resources is also ensured by
cloud computing. The technique is also employed
for speedy data searches and library automation.
Cloud computing also makes it possible for third-
party services to manage servers, upgrade, and
create data backups in a digital library.
4. Internet of Things
IoT refers to the ability to use RFID to connect
popular devices and transfer data between them.
By extending the support and catalog to the IoT,
the library can provide a better user experience.
By automating the book return system,
upgrading to a fully automated sorter, and
monitoring humidity in special collections,
tracking space usage and develop
engagement, controlling library inventory,
preventing theft, and using the IoT to identify
users. It also helps improve the quality and
speed of your workflow desktop. In
addition, the IoT accelerates book reservations,
fire detection and prevention in
libraries, and improves online library services.
5. Database Design and Big Data
The process of presenting large amounts of data
in charts, graphs, maps, and other formats is
referred to as big data and data visualization.
Digital libraries are becoming more globalized as
a result of this technology's ability to access large
amounts of data. Cost savings, workflow
automation, and faster and more accurate
decision-making are all possible outcomes of
utilizing big data.
6. Artificial Intelligence
With its increasing incorporation into our day-to-
day lives, artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer a
concept only found in science fiction. Libraries
can speed up some processes and free up limited
resources to focus on improving the public library
experience for patrons by leveraging Al's value.
7. Mobile-Based Library Services
Mobile libraries provide resources to users who
might not otherwise have access to them outside
of the library's fixed location. It also comes with a
Learning Management System (LMS), a piece of
software that keeps track of your training
materials and provides the framework for all
learning activities.
8. Consortium Search & Adaptive Library
Search
Using integrated search and intelligent library
search methods, information can be retrieved
from multiple content sources with just a single
search query and a search interface. The
technology makes indexing easier and speeds up
the acquisition of materials for major libraries.
This technology is also used by libraries to build
collections, search databases, index subjects, and
create descriptive catalogs. Using integrated
search and intelligent library search methods,
information can be retrieved from multiple
content sources with just a single search query
and searching interface. The technology makes
indexing easier and speeds up the acquisition of
materials for major libraries. This technology is
also used by libraries to build collections, search
databases, index subjects, and create descriptive
catalogs
9. Plagiarism and Educational Ethics
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Any discussion of current trends in library
systems would be inadequate if reference was not
made to academic integrity and plagiarism.
Plagiarism is the unauthorized use of someone
else's concepts, expressions, theories, pictures or
graphics, notions, or factual information. For
students, plagiarism compromises the intellectual
integrity of their educational experience. As a
result, avoiding plagiarism has become a
necessity.
10. Sustainability
By purchasing equipment from vendors who
adhere to ethical standards and reducing annual
electricity consumption, many libraries in the
United States are already reducing their carbon
footprint. The areas of a library that are
frequently empty and do not require constant
illumination can be identified using occupancy
monitoring equipment. In order to lessen their
impact on the environment, many libraries in the
United States are already reducing their annual
electricity consumption and purchasing
equipment from vendors who adhere to ethical
standards. Another way for libraries to operate
more sustainably without sacrificing the
experience of their customers is to install
automated equipment that only requires a small
amount of electricity to operate.
11. Blockchain
A brand-new and highly reliable technology
called blockchain approaches the security,
consistency and retention of data. The 21st
century's change agents and libraries are
implementing technologies to deliver the most
knowledge possible in the shortest amount of
time. With the right applications for data storage
in a distributed, temperature-resistant
atmosphere, blockchain technology can be
utilized to resolve a wide range of problems in
the library field. Blockchain can be utilized in
library contexts to gather, preserve and
disseminate reliable data without the necessity
of many technical hurdles. Despite the existence
of certain challenges, including fiscal, scientific
and privacy measures, good practice, support
from policymakers and technical expertise in
this area can help library professionals overcome
these challenges. Without a question, libraries
are changing agents in the twenty-first century,
working for the benefit of everyone else.
12. COVID-19's Long-Term Outcomes
We presume that the outcomes of COVID-19
will be started to feel for several decades to
come. As a result, libraries might provide
continuing post-pandemic assistance, such as
universal access to the internet and computers
trying to assist students in making up
lost momentum and providing assistance
to teachers to a great extent. Library
professionals will be incredibly valuable in
providing assistance to individuals &
community members with government,
employment and outreach programs apps.
"We're not first responders, but we're second
responders," our users George Needham,
Director of the Delaware County Public Library
system, told us in the spring of 2020. We're here
to help individuals get back on their feet after
such an emergency or a life-changing event."
Future challenges for libraries
1. Artificial Intelligence: In the next 15 years,
AI is predicted to replace 38% of jobs. This
would amplify injustices like bias,
inequality and discrimination even while
spreading false information. Librarians will
be replaced by robots in the future (or Al).
Despite its heritage value to libraries, Al
could hinder data privacy, which is
becoming increasingly important in the
digital age. Despite their lack of basic
neutrality, search engine algorithms can be
manipulated to encourage bias and false
data. Al would create a scenario in which
the library's correlation to its community
and precious and valuable characteristics
would be distorted and rare by erasing
creativeness and respect.
2. RFID: The expenditure on RFID hardware
is the biggest obstacle to implementing this
type of technology.
3. Making services relevant to students and
researchers: You are certainly aware that
not all issues can be resolved with Google,
but your core audience definitely is still not.
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So, in order to immensely and authentically
influence learners' and researchers' work
going forward, you must often incorporate
new requirements and expectations.
4. Managing research tools: Libraries should
be the hub for data archiving and research
management. To execute this, librarians
need to have the support and assistance of
their university's faculty and administration,
but they also require keeping up with the
most up-to-date trends in data management
to prevent outdated research.
5. Revealing your uniqueness: Academic
libraries are always existing beyond their
constraints. This indicates that libraries
must constantly offer convincing evidence
of the significance of their services,
frequently in the light of a challenging
prime concern. However, research has
revealed a correlation between student
average grades with library resource usage,
claims the American Library Association.
Team members must demonstrate how well
these two components are interrelated and
why libraries need enhanced public
inclusion.
6. Digitally preserving material: Despite the
broadest resources, there are quality
products this might encourage libraries in
achieving this, and it's now becoming the
practice. A remarkable 97 percent of the
169 research libraries across the country
and Canada already use digital platforms
with existing special collections, according
to OCLC Research. All such figures
indicate that technologies integrated with a
librarian's expertise are the future of
education with user-friendly- friendly
interfaces and academic data replication.
7. A broad and rising spectrum of users:
You've basically definitely recognized this,
as the 20th century has seen a significant
transformation in technical advancement
that had an impression on every age group.
As per 21st Century Library, a librarian
may see patrons from six distinct ages,
ranging from baby boomers to youths, on
any given day. In contradiction to
youngsters who are more familiar with
digital library applications, overall work
overload might feel very little challenging
when you are attempting to engage users
who are familiar with traditional library
resources.
8. Updating library rules and regulations:
There are numerous concerns that you
might need to approach the management
due to the growing use of electronic
databases. For instance, you must
investigate whether or not the university
ought to procure both digital resources and
traditional print resources. Or, on the
contrary side, there might not even be a
concern for procuring textbooks, as several
current educational universities are
exploring. These are only a few instances of
library regulations that employees and
management should establish heading
the future.
9. Role exploration: Open Access has urged
librarians to grasp an enormous depth of
knowledge in a wide range of disciplines.
Even though no university will be relying
on you to absorb information at a
computer's pace, there may be
circumstances when it appears that way.
Budget constraints and economic instability
also might enhance this challenge.
10. Virtual outsourcing: These approaches
can occasionally be quite challenging and
require a literature review on your behalf.
Although every academic research council
is unique, according to University and
Research Journal, patron-driven e-book
procurement is expected to evolve into the
standard, which implies that virtual licensed
agreements should be more enduring and
simpler to grasp.
11. Specialization in the domain: Universities
must play a proactive role in the monitoring
of libraries because they are rapidly
overflowing with data. Exceptional
initiatives are already carried out on a
national scale, although if universities are to
keep up with specialized knowledge, the
same efforts must be made on a micro-
scale.
12. Acquiring knowledge of a variety of
digital resources: Librarians may grasp
what types of resources they must grow
consistent within the worldwide, virtual era
while still offering high-quality resources
by precisely analyzing which sort of
articles, related publications, and e-books
are being accessed primarily by researchers
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and students.Today's librarians are more
dynamic, working with the lines,
"Librarians have historically considered the
most insightful and helpful people. Remain
Silent," instead of sitting idly and reciting
these two phrases. They are educators
without even an arena, as per "Willard
Scott." A library cannot exist without a
librarian, and without a library, there will
be no source of socioeconomic wisdom.
Opportunities for the future libraries
Open Content: You might Google 90
percent of each and every day’s queries to
get the answers. Data is now available
freely. This makes it possible to
disseminate information at a low cost and to
customize it to the requirements of the
individuals using it. Open Encyclopedia or
Google as alternatives.
Visual learning: Users are relying more
and more on visuals to grasp their
landscape as an outcome of current
technologies. Utilizing visual technologies
is the librarian's responsibility. They are
feasible and realistic. To educate their users
to grasp the search process and locate
authenticated data, the librarian might
leverage this learning opportunity in their
user outreach programs.
Open-Source Automated Libraries:
Accessibility to a majority of scholarly and
academic output and data is achieved via
open-source resources and online databases.
A modern librarian must build a digital
library of scholarly and research resources.
By offering access to numerous significant
databases and websites, they can maintain a
good accessible digital library. Although
data is freely accessible, frequently users
may not be able to know where and how to
find it. Users can benefit from this
approach, and libraries won't have to spend
any capital procuring that data.
Outreach of Libraries: Why do
organizations always use social media to
endorse? "Jo dikhta hai wo bikta hai" is the
core concept. Unfortunately, libraries are
not intended to earn money. Libraries
continue to offer services to draw in users
and enlighten them about the resources they
provide. It's appropriate that the promoting
tools are diverse from all those used by
other organizations. In order to be seen by
their users, libraries can host seminars,
workshops, illiteracy campaigns, book
exhibitions, book launch activities, etc. The
librarians must take the lead to cater to the
requirements of their users.
Mobile Assistance: Users of cellular
phones have access to everything when
they are on the go. In addition to making
libraries everywhere accessible, using
mobile technologies in libraries will be
extremely beneficial. The future of
futuristic libraries will definitely contain
online book renewal, overdue payments,
book status alerts, SMS reference queries,
and Bluetooth document delivery systems.
Excellence Methods: To sustain the first
law of library science, "Books are for use"
or in a changing demand, "Libraries are for
use" instead of just the luxury items, the
user must be privileged on how to use the
libraries, according to Dr. S. R.
Ranganathan, the father of library science
in India. Numerous technology best
practice methods, such as user training
through websites, video messages, library
blogs, graphical presentations, etc., are
made available through the use of ICT.
Future Tech Services: With the
advancement of new technology, libraries
have been enabled to provide a diversity of
high-tech setups of conventional services.
Online book renewal, SMS query
settlement, online document delivery
systems, FAQs, and videos all assist users
in learning further about libraries and the
services they offer.
Cloud computing: Libraries can utilize this
technique to communicate their data with
other users via the internet and save it on a
remote computer server for later use.
Application software is executed in order to
offer this service. It is "a form of computing
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in which scaled and adaptive Cloud
computing capabilities are offered as a
service using Internet technologies,"
according to Gartner Inc. (2012). 1 Both are
multiple options to do it in library services:
o Cloud computing, storage as a service: In
this library, patrons basically have to
reimburse for server storage capacity being
used. They can borrow server storage from
a service provider like Microsoft, Google,
and many others. Through the usage of this
storage area, libraries are permitted to
upload data from their local systems to
these rented areas through the web and
retrieve them as needed.
o Libraries can utilize technologies that
offer cloud computing as a service:
Libraries can utilize technologies that
offer cloud computing as a service that is
accessible as a lease through external
organizations. Here, libraries can access
the technology directly via the web
without having to install it or execute it on
library computers. The major cloud
capitalists include the sales force, IBM,
Google, Dell, Microsoft, Yahoo, etc.
o Linking Library Automation to Social
Networks: Modern librarians must
consider how to link library automation to
social sites for users. They are gathering
data and building individual databases,
which can further be linked to using social
profiles.
The job of the librarian as an educator:
encourages the modern librarian to hold on
to this job. Users must always be educated
on how to develop their respective digital
libraries. They must educate them about the
numerous reference resources available and
assist in the dissemination of pioneering
research. The job description is much
longer; the only catch is that the librarian
must make an important transition to
becoming an educator.
Conclusion
The challenges of role expansion, digital
licensing, and methodologies are trying to shape
how libraries provide quality content to both
learners and scholars. ICT has given birth to the
modern librarian. Multitasking is a term used by
modern librarians to describe being focused on
the combination of technological and
information decision-making skills. A modern
librarian must identify learning gaps in order to
grow and analyze a product that will fill these
gaps. ICT has provided enormous growth
opportunities for libraries.
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