The time-honored library concept — the notion of a physical location that is a repository of books for users to borrow, read and return — is still an entirely relevant one. It's undeniable, however, that digital transformation has impacted the library experience for librarians and patrons alike, in a significant way.
As is the case with most other aspects of our modern world, libraries had been adopting more and more technology prior to the onset of COVID-19, but the pandemic accelerated things in a way no one could have foreseen — and that transformation seems unlikely to slow down.
In this article, we'll look at the public library's role as a means for patrons to access digital resources.
Nine ways libraries cater to tech-savvy patrons
The global library organization OCLC surveyed 1,627 library leaders and workers across 77 countries or territories about how they expect the library experience to change over the next decade. In addition to offering more digital resources, library workers expect their roles to include even more technology in the near future.
Of public-library respondents polled, 62% said they expect an increase in the use of technology for marketing and communications, 53% for collection analysis, 52% for data analytics, and 50% for event management.
As for what they offer to their patrons, modern libraries cater to the evolving needs of today's tech-savvy society with a vast array of digital resources. Here are a few examples:
Magazines and newspapers
Many libraries offer digital newsstands such as PressReader, which features thousands of publications from around the world. Remote access makes it possible for patrons to use PressReader from anywhere, at any time, all on their own devices.
News buffs use it to stay on top of current events and read the latest edition of their favorite daily newspaper — in some cases before it hits the newsstand.
A number of digital and online resources (including PressReader) are able to cater to individuals with diverse needs by providing accessibility features like adjustable font sizes, text-to-speech capabilities and support for screen readers. These features ensure that more users can enjoy the content.
Streaming services
Some libraries provide access to streaming services like Kanopy (for movies), Hoopla (for audiobooks, comics, movies and more) or Freegal (for music).
Online databases
Libraries offer free access to a range of online databases, such as JSTOR, EBSCO, and Semantic Scholar, which provide valuable resources for academic research, genealogy, health, and more. These platforms, along with citation-management tools, are essential for students and researchers. However, many traditional databases update their content only periodically, leaving gaps for users who need the latest information on rapidly evolving topics.
PressReader fills this gap by offering daily updated access to thousands of newspapers and magazines, including The Guardian, Newsweek, The Economist, Der Tagesspiegel, and El País. We like to call it "information at the speed of culture". Users can always find the latest edition or search past issues by date. To make content discovery even easier, PressReader is now integrated with the EBSCO Discovery Service (EDS) and Primo, another popular library discovery platform.
Language learning apps
Many libraries offer language learning resources like Duolingo, Rosetta Stone or Mango Languages to help patrons learn new languages.
In a previous blog post, we told you about a few ways patrons use PressReader that isn't just to read the news. We noted Babbel blogger Thomas Moore Devlin's suggestion that those learning a different language read news articles in that language to reinforce what they have learned.
Devlin specifically recommended that language students use PressReader — which features newspapers and magazines in more than 60 languages. "You can search through the publications by language and topic, so you can discover the news that fits your niche," he wrote.
Another idea is to make use of PressReader's translation features, which can translate articles into more than 20 languages. That way, the reader can compare the same content in multiple languages.
Digital archives
Some libraries digitize their special collections, historical documents and local archives, making them accessible online for research and exploration.
When libraries digitize rare and unique materials from their physical collections, it provides wider access to materials that might have been previously restricted to on-site viewing.
Virtual events
Some libraries conduct virtual tours or present author talks and other events through platforms like Zoom or on social media.
They may also offer access to online platforms that include features for users to join book clubs, participate in discussions and share annotations. This fosters a sense of community among readers and enhances the social aspects of reading.
Technology workshops and training
Libraries often offer workshops and training sessions on various technology topics, including coding skills, web design, digital literacy and cybersecurity.
Internet safety for young learners and media-literacy education for adults are other popular topics for in-person classes and presentations that can be accessed online.
Digital art and creativity tools
A number of libraries offer their patrons the use of media labs, tech centers and makerspaces.
Through these facilities, they may provide equitable access to graphic design software, video editing and media production equipment, and other creative tools for patrons.
They may also provide resources and workshops for patrons interested in creating digital stories, podcasts or multimedia content.
Virtual reality (VR) experiences
Some libraries have started offering VR experiences, allowing patrons to virtually interact with computer-generated simulations of three-dimensional images or 360-degree environments.
For example, a library can offer educational modules that take place in a digital environment. Alternatively, VR resources can be used to offer interactive content experiences or remote assets that members can connect to from home if they have VR headsets.
Taking the library into the future
The impact of artificial intelligence has been impossible to ignore in the past few years, and we can expect AI to play an ever greater role in library services in years to come.
According to Clarivate's 2024 Pulse of the Library report, more than 60% of libraries are evaluating or planning for AI integration, with 43% prioritizing AI-powered tools for patrons in the coming year. Their key objectives include:
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52% supporting student learning
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47% promoting research excellence
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45% enhancing content discoverability
While a number of ethical and technical concerns have arisen around the use of AI (we explored a few of these in our recent "Chatbots and Beyond" report), Clarivate takes an optimistic view of AI's impact, particularly within school libraries and other educational settings:
For decades, the promise of education technology has been truly individualized learning, tailored to each student’s background and skill set. Generative AI is beginning to deliver on that promise by enabling adaptive learning experiences that respond to individual needs. For educators, AI’s ability to analyze and generate text supports automated grading beyond multiple-choice assessments, offering efficiencies in evaluating written work, providing feedback, and identifying learning gaps.
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