A couple weeks ago, a librarian posted a query on a list I subscribe to asking readers to postulate what the library patron of 2020 will ask. The query was directed at academic libraries, and the answers were quite entertaining and thought-provoking, but not really relevant to public libraries.
So, I asked the same type of question of our own MCLS Emerging Technology Committee. Here’s one answer.
“A patron of any age and any background uses a tablet device which
functions as a web surfer, email client, audio/video player, ebook reader,
video/still digital camera, GPS, word processor and spreadsheet machine,
plays video games and is customizable to add various apps (some free, some
at cost) to meet the various and changing needs of users.
Data access is available through wi-fi or the successor to 3GS which provides download speeds of 54 mbps minimum. The Monroe County Library System has a free app which allows library patrons to quickly search the library catalog, place holds and check their accounts. Downloadable audio books, ebooks, music and videos are available and playable on the tablets, which handle a variety of formats and can universally play all popular audio, video and data file formats (whether MCLS, iTunes, Amazon, B&N, etc.). These players use the successor to the current SD card and so can store large amounts of data (20 gb minimum). These cards can be easily swapped between tablets to share information and files or file swap is an option within all tablet functions as all tablets have a non-wired file transfer option which utilizes the successor to 3GS. The tablets are backlit, have color screens, external speakers, headphone and mic jacks, a retractable cover which folds into the hard shell case and a touch screen which is difficult to scratch. The tablet has 4 USB drives and 2 SD card slots. Each tablet has a serial # etched on the case and embedded in the OS which can identify the tablet and aide if it is stolen. This # is findable via GPS as well. Many aftermarket products exist for these tablets and so customers can swap tablet skins at will and change their tablets to reflect their moods and causes (people buy and wear all kinds of rubber cause bracelets, so why not)? The tablet costs $199 and monthly fees for data access are available from major vendors such as Verizon, AT&T, Sprint, etc. but have been frozen at $19/month due to price wars worldwide (the tablets support most international languages and so are popular around the world).
The OS is a descendant of Ubuntu Linux and can cheaply and easily handle the above tasks. Since Linux is free and developed by zealous programmers who as a community ensure functionality, security and availability, it is a great option for hardware manufacturers who are tired of playing the Apple/Microsoft game which has led to higher prices, buggier software and
file format differences which have been costly and frustrating to customers
and vendors. Goodbye to all that.
Since these tablets are so popular, affordable, prevalent, and easy to use, MCLS finds it easy to provide content to patrons in various formats, all of which work on the tablet. Ebooks, audio music, videos, articles from databases, and images are all compatible on the tablet. MCLS has an easy to
use catalog which showcases all of its content (regardless of format). It is
colorful and fast with well designed intuitive menus and advanced keyword
searching. It also allows RSS feeds, patron profiles to be saved by library
card # (which are customizable with avatars, colors, backgrounds, etc. and
which house personlization options for wishlists). The library is mobile friendly and its web presence reflects that, highlighting a small set of the
most common patron requests rather than the dense page of options available on the non-mobile website.
Because the library offers so much, has an easy to use website which easily highlights and makes available this content, the library continues to be a popular destination for patrons of all ages and economic backgrounds.
Content continues to be expertly chosen and offered and continues to be free to borrow for patrons, a huge advantage in a shifting economy. The library also maintains a strong local presence in that its employees live and work in the local community and can thus support and advocate MCLS and its services. MCLS develops strong consortial relationships with regional
systems and thus benefits from connections with a wider group of employees and access to a wider range of materials.”
Sound pretty “out there?” Maybe not. What do *you* predict?
Cross-posted at Mouth2Ear.
Pat said,
May 27, 2010 at 10:28 pm
Since you cross-posted, I thought I’d cross-post my comment, too.
Here’s what I posted on Mouth2Ear:
I think this is an interesting take on what our primary gadget will be like in a few years. With regard to digital rights management, we are currently going through a phase similar to the browser wars of the early 90s. I would guess that before long, proprietary file formats will become less and less of a burden for users. Certainly before 2020. Open source systems (such as Linux, Apache, MySQL and PHP) are quickly becoming the development platform of choice for many programmers, as well as for those of us who just dabble in development. The Creative Commons licensing model is growing, and might actually become the norm for a majority of content provided by public libraries. (Maybe not so much for corporate and medical libraries.)
I disagree that our primary gadget will be a tablet. More likely, it will be a pocket-sized device with some kind of projection capability to accomodate e-readers and virtual keyboards. Kindles and iPads are great, but cumbersome to carry. Actually, ten years is a long way away — a head-mounted display, voice-activated, would be even better. Not some gargantuan Terminator-style HUD from the 1980s science fiction movies. Just a projection screen on your eyeglasses or sunglasses. We’ll also be able to stream content to our wifi’d cars.
Virtual and augmented realities will be pervasive in less than ten years. (Augmented is about to explode and virtual is going through its own version of browser wars right now.) These technologies should be on our radar screens now, as there will be opportunities for libraries to stake their place as the source for “expertly chosen and offered” content – just as the other person said about library websites.
Regarding the original question, what will patrons of 2020 ask for, here are my thoughts:
Along with expecting the library to sort through and find valid content and resources, patrons will expect access to creative tools. They will ask libraries to offer access to and training on graphics and 3D modeling software, much like we do now with Word and Excel. People will ask to book rooms for musical or artistic performances. People will want to connect virtually with distant relatives via virtual worlds on library computers. Telecommuting and videoconferencing will regularly happen in libraries. People who normally work from home will use the library as a place to connect with other human beings. Gaming will be for all ages, not just teens, as people search for social outlets. Multi-player serious gaming will be a major part of education. The city libraries, in particular, will be expected to have computers on hand that are ahead of the curve, technologically, so that students can participate even if they do not have appropriate computers at home.
And of course, libraries will have all the great things they have today: books, storytimes, programs for all ages, and friendly, helpful staff.