Libraries in the Digital Age

 

Libraries in the Digital Age

With technology changing so fast can the libraries keep up?  Public and school libraries are changing the way they get books for their users and students. E-books are part of the new technology of the digital age.

At public libraries it is much easier to use e-books all you need is a library card and you can access any e-Book in their holdings by downloading it to reader. This makes it much easier than having to travel to the library also you don’t have to worry about returning the book and getting fines. You can download the e-book too your reader for a couple of weeks.

E-Books in schools are much harder. There are more rules involved when it comes to e-books in school libraries. When a school buys an e-Book they are not really buying it they are paying to use the book so they don’t have rights to book as they have hard bound books.  This brings us to the part were e-books cannot be lent out to other schools. So if you are going to Cuyamaca College for you studies you can view our e-books from home by logging in but, if you found a e-book at Grossmont College our sister college you would not be able to view it unless you were enrolled at this college as well. The only way is that you have to visit one of the college’s libraries and then you would be able to access both college e-book holdings.  EBSCO e-books can only be viewed by one person at a time. These e-books have more restrictions than Springer e-books. Springer e-Books are changing the way of e-books.  With Springer e-books you can download them, print them and even e-mail them without restriction.  Another problem is that not all books are offered in e-book form. A lot of classic readings required by teachers are not available in this format. In 2014 To Kill a Mockingbird was authorize to an e-book.  There are a lot more classic required for class reading.

Another problem that came up was that some of the class text books are being offered at e-books which is much cheaper to buy. but the teacher would not let her students  use it on an open book test. The teacher said because it was on an electronic device they could have access to the Internet.

There are some restrictions that need to be worked out but with technology changing so fast I believe that there will be e-books in the future.

 

 

 

Harris, Christopher. "Fact Or Fiction? Libraries Can Thrive In The Digital Age." Phi Delta Kappan 96.3 (2014): 20-25. Academic Search Premier. Web. 17 Apr. 2015.

 

Libraries as Social Hubs

 

 

Libraries as Social Hubs 

 

 

Today’s libraries are not the old fashion libraries like we use to know.  They are changing the way the public sees them. Public libraries have rooms where groups can come and meet. They offer a wide variety of different classes and programs. They are offering places where people can come and use computers for career & job search. ESL programs, health and wellness and programs for older adults.

 

 

 

School libraries are offering more than just books. They are opening before and after schools allowing students to hang out with friend. “It’s not about giving the old system a new name and a new look-it’s about profoundly rethinking educational, societal, and creative values.” School libraries are giving students a place to work together on projects, play games, due research, being able to access the Internet. Libraries are changing the way they look by adding cozy places to relax and enjoy a good book. Libraries can be like a resources center which encourages students to gather to use services that can help with exit exams, college information or even help with career and job searches.

                                                                            Works Cited

 

GUSTAFSON, ELLEN. "Meeting Needs: Makerspaces And School Libraries." School Library Monthly 29.8 (2013): 35-36. Academic Search Premier. Web. 17 Apr. 2015.

 

 

Libraries as Social Hubs

In Creating Shared Campus Experiences: the Library as Culture Club, the authors make the case for university campus libraries as places suitable for bringing together not only the campus community but connecting the campus with the community at large. They state that factulty, staff and students are not generally focused on their campus community and that libraries could serve as an ideal place for people with diverse backgrounds to come together to enjoy various cultural events. It is suggested that partnering with other organizations in the community could be beneficial to both the university as well as the community, citing one example of an art exhibit that supports local schools. They characterize the campus as an impartial institution, and as such, can ideally be a “trusted third party in discussions between and among differing interests for the good of the campus (p. 254).”

Libraries are ideal places to serve as social and cultural hubs. A perusal of any program calendar at a local public library provides evidence of libraries as places where people come together to learn, create, or just have fun. For instance, the Vista Public Library has an upcoming Celebration of Art on April 25. (I will be a participating artist. Please forgive my shameless plug.)

References

Harris, R., Mayo, A., Prince, J. D., & Joan, M. (2013). Creating shared campus experiences: the library as culture club. Journal Of The Medical Library Association, 101(4), 254-256. doi:10.3163/1536 -5050.101.4.005

Libraries in the Digital Age

The ways that people access, use and share information is being changed at a rapid pace by technology and libraries are adapting to keep up with these changes. The digital age is shaping the role of libraries and how they are adapting to the changes of the age.

The traditional role of libraries is changing. Discussing academic libraries, Kahn and Underwood state that as use of the World Wide Web becomes more commonplace, the idea of the role of library as the brick-and-mortar place to find and borrow books is disappearing (p. 10). Anderson (in Kahn and Underwood) states: “the library is not about books; it’s about information.” Kahn and Underwood point out that academic libraries must offer access to online materials or become obsolete (p. 10).

Dame Lynne J. Brindley, in a speech entitled Challenges for Great Libraries in the Age of the Digital Native, touches on the perception of many that all information can be accessed via search engines and correlates diminishing reading and comprehension skills with the rise of visual information in the digital age. These are a few of the challenges that Brindley suggests libraries should focus upon going into the future (n.p.).

While Kahn and Underwood view the traditional role of the academic library as changing, Linda Ballew, in TheValue of  School Librarian Support in the Digital World,  states that although the tools and technology may change, the essential role of the school librarian remains the same: to be a bridge between students and information. In the digital age, librarians must be the experts in their schools on the use of information technologies and how best to use them to support their school’s missions (p. 65).

References

Ballew, L. M. (2014). THE VALUE OF SCHOOL LIBRARIAN SUPPORT IN THE             DIGITAL WORLD. Knowledge Quest, 42(3), 64-68.

Brindley, D. J. (2009). Challenges for Great Libraries in the Age of the Digital Native. Information Services & Use, 29(1), 3-12. doi:10.3233/ISU-2009-0594

Kahn, M., & Underwood, P. G. (2013). Issues related to the adoption of e-books in academic libraries: a literature review. South African Journal Of Libraries & Information Science, 79(2), 10-17. doi:10.7553/79-2-141

Libraries and the Digital Divide

First of all, what is the “Digital Divide”? The Digital Divide is a term for the gap between people who can access online information and those who cannot. Public libraries that offer wi-fi, computers, and classes in how to use digital technology are a factor in closing that gap. Digital technology grows in leaps and bounds and it is difficult for any organization to keep up without a great deal of capital.

Personally I am privileged to be in the information-rich bracket. There are so many things I take for granted with my digital technology. I am taking my library courses online, I access media online, and I am fluent with many different technologies and software sets. Technology that was made available to me in the classroom and through public spaces definitely contributed to my ability to use it today.

Libraries are tirelessly trying to bring as much technology as possible to the communities they serve. Bringing technology to the public also requires training librarians, providing the materials, and space to use the technologies.

Clink on the links for more information on the digital divide and digital education, from “CQ Researcher”.

The Demise of School Libraries?

Image taken from : http://fopsl.org/

School libraries as they used to exist are on the decline and funding for any form of school library is low. In the district where I work, most library collections are old, out of date, and the librarians are not required to possess a Library Tech Certificate or any other credential - and most of them don’t. There are many reasons for the neglect of the libraries; among them are lack of funding, support, and cohesive vision.

When completing my collection development project, I discovered that the library I was volunteering at, in fact, none of the libraries in the district, had a mission statement or a collection development policy. My supervisor believed this lack came from the libraries being an overlooked part of the district educational services. Despite the lack of district wide vision, the individual librarians are doing a wonderful job of making the library an inviting and interesting place for students to congregate, and the amount of students in the library indicates an ongoing interest. The formation of a district policy would provide school librarians with a policy with which to reassure and reference when faced with parents who object to library content. Having a policy and a mission statement would also create a position of unity and vision which could be presented to the district as a whole and help make the library a vital part of the educational community in the district.

School libraries still have a vital purpose, but it is a changing one in the school environment. School libraries, instead of being the physical home of books - needs to evolve into a more research oriented space. Much like academic libraries at colleges and universities, the collection, services, and focus of a school library needs to shift if they are to survive. A library can offer a place for students to pursue greater learning and understanding of material. A place to learn technical skills, work on homework, research for papers and projects, and provide a space for groups of students to meet for school work and for leisure.

Image taken from : http://wp.lps.org/mediakloefkorn/

Libraries as Social Hubs

In this time of economic uncertainty, where can you go for free entertainment? The library has evolved to fill a niche in the current economy where the community comes to partake in media and leisure in an open space without the requirement of purchasing a cup of coffee in order to use the wi-fi. Community programming and events are avenues for people to meet others with similar interests and create a common experience from which to build friendships, contacts, and clubs.

Image taken from : http://www.engadget.com/2013/12/10/video-game-champions-in-the-public-library/

To this end, some libraries have started carrying board games, providing video games and public video game consoles, and musical instruments. Some libraries have added Makerspaces for the community to learn, experiment, and play with different software, 3-D printers, video creation, podcasts, or simply to play video games. In addition to instruction, the space is commonly available for maker events, video game tournaments, or other social meetings involving creativity and technology.

Image taken from : http://www.engadget.com/2013/12/10/video-game-champions-in-the-public-library/

Check out the NPR broadcast “At Libraries Across America,It’s Game On,” and the video “A Library Card May Get You More Than You Think” for more information and viewpoints.

"A Library Card May Get You More Than You Think." John Yang, correspondent. NBC Nightly News. NBCUniversal Media. 24 Aug. 2013. NBC Learn. Web. 24 January 2015.

"At Libraries Across America, It's Game On." Weekend Edition Sunday 11 Aug. 2013. Opposing Viewpoints in Context. Web. 16 Apr. 2015.

Libraries in the Digital Age

In the words of Richard Hulser, Chief Librarian at the Los Angeles Natural History Museum, “A library is a concept, not a place.” In today’s digital age, a library may consist of physical books, databases stored across the country, books accessed online, and purely digital movies or music. Movies, TV shows, websites, and ezines can all be part of a library’s digital collection. Library cards are now linked to library accounts that provide access to a library’s digital offerings. Some libraries offer patrons who are not interested in physical materials a digital only account.

In the future there may be libraries that only exist online. Patrons sign up for accounts which grant them access to online books, movies, databases, and other media. Once they are signed in the patron would have access to a chat feature where they may ask a librarian for assistance with research or how to navigate and utilize the online offerings. This patron will be able to visit the library from their own home, a coffee shop, or even on their mobile device.

One extreme of this idea is the DPLA or Digital Public Library of America. The idea of the DPLA is to collect all American library collections online in order to increase access to materials for more people (Geuss). There are a lot of barriers in place before this idea can evolve into a real accessible library, including copy-right limitations, appraising content, library interfacing, censorship, and type of content. 

Image taken from www.knightfoundation.org

The idea of a unified “internet library” might not be applicable in the here and now, but I agree with Geuss when she says, “…it’s a concept that needs to come to fruition sooner than later.” I believe that libraries are delving ever further into the digital realms and that if not the DPLA, then another system will arise that offers a similar vision.

If you’re interested in learning more about the DPLA, listen to the recording below, the DPLA website, or check out the referenced article.

"Combining The Nation's Digitized Libraries, All In One Place." All Things Considered 19 Aug. 2013. Opposing Viewpoints in Context. Web. 16 Apr. 2015.

Geuss, Megan. "A Digital Public Library Will Increase Access to Books for All People."What Is the Impact of Digitizing Books? Ed. Louise I. Gerdes. Detroit: Greenhaven Press, 2013. At Issue. Rpt. from "Exercises in Democracy: Building a Digital Public Library." ArsTechnica.com. 2012. Opposing Viewpoints in Context. Web. 16 Apr. 2015.

Image taken from : https://digitalpubliclibraryofamerica.atlassian.net/wiki/display/CR/DPLA+Community+Reps+Wiki

Libraries and the Digital Divide

Click photo to play movie.

 Bill Gates Helps Improve Rural Internet Access

Libraries and the Digital Divide

In today’s world we rely on technology as part of our normal day. Studies show that over 60% percent of households in the United States have access to computers and the internet in their homes. It is the other 40% that we need to help give access to. The public depends on our public libraries for these services.  

Children are required to do research from the internet for school projects and parents are doing research for jobs. Some people want to find what resources are available or maybe just checking their e-mails. No matter what the reason, they need access to computers and the internet. With the high rate of unemployment families cannot afford having the internet in their home anymore. It is even harder in rural areas to get access to these services.

 

Bill Gates Helps Improve Rural Internet Access

 

Through my research I was able to find an interview with Bill Gates and how his foundation The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has been able to provide over 40,000 computers to 10,000 libraries in the United States. Mr. Gates said that “The Internet’s almost like books, where everybody should have a chance.” (Gates) The interview talks about the people who are using the computers and Mr. Gates talking with librarians and what they have noticed since the computers have installed in the libraries. Mr. Gates is happy that the technology is being used and everyone has the opportunity to have access.

 

Works Cited

Gates, Bill. Bill Gates Helps Improves Rural Internet Access. with Tom Brokaw. NBC Learn Higher ED. 13 May 2003. Web. 16 April 2015. <http://highered.nbclearn.com.prozy.palomar.edu/portal/site/HigherEd/browse?cuecard=2066>.

The demise of school libraries.

As a mother this topic really hits home for me. With budget cuts getting worse and worse as times goes on i worry about the children of our future not having access to a library at school. Sadly I have encountered many families who have never taken their children to a library because they were afraid their children would be too noisy. That means the only library they have been to is the one at their school and that really is discouraging me me. When we go on vacations or visit someplace new we always go to 2 places, science or kids museum and the library. We love that we can go anywhere in the world and find these important institutions.

Where I live with my family is a more prominent area. I know that for my son's school whenever an important program is in jeopardy due to budget cuts, the PTA will try its hardest to pick up the tab. Unfortunately, not ever school is that lucky. Many schools who face budget cuts are lower income areas who earn monies for housing a certain number of low income or Spanish speaking families. People don't understand the harm they are doing to our future by doing this and taking away our school learning resources!

Reference:

http://www.ncte.org/library/NCTEFiles/Resources/Journals/CC/0211-sep2011/CC0211Presidents.pdf

The Demise of School Libraries

While it seems evident to me that libraries of all sorts suffer from factors like funding and staffing, another aspect that seems to affect school libraries more severely is censorship, and I believe this is the most detrimental reason that has caused its demise. Whereas the public library has the ALA Book of Rights to stand behind, school libraries at often at the mercy of school boards and concerned parents.

In a case study in which a school board restricted access to the book Harry Potter in school libraries, DeMitchell, professor of Education and Justice Studies, and Carney, professor of Reading, both at Univ. of New Hampshire, Durham, discuss the consequences of restricting student reading. The school board and parents argued that it encouraged misbehavior, rebellion in school setting, and witchcraft. However, in similar cases, students have sued against this same reason, citing the Constitution’s First Amendment and reasoning that ideas cannot be suppressed or restricted from being presented.

Maybe I prefer to look at the situation is too simplistic a manner and encourage that children read material that get them excited to read because that was how I was raised – with no boundaries to the literature I chose to read. But this ideal is what makes access and reading so beautiful to me and I so far I haven’t suffered from it, even if I am romanticizing the notion.

DeMitchell, T. A., & Carney, J. J. (2005). Harry Potter and the Public School Library. Phi Delta Kappan, 87(2), 159-165.

Libraries and the Digital Divide

I work in a public library in a city investing millions of dollars to advance in the technological field, but I work with a segment of the population that does not have access to at-home computers, let alone Internet access. I see the every day challenges that are brought upon these patrons – particularly elementary-high school aged children – who are unequipped to complete tasks on the computer because they are not comfortable with the technology. In a report titled “Rural Public Libraries and Digital Inclusion: Issues and Challenges,” researchers found that urban public libraries are 40.6% and suburban libraries are 60.0% of the time the only Internet provider to patrons. In my personal opinion, and because of the clientele we see in the library and have to help day-in and day-out, it’s obvious how severe the negative impact on these people is without regular computer and Internet access and the detrimental effect it has on their potential to advance in their academics or find employment.

I live in a rural area (about 30 miles from where I work), where Internet access is provided by a 1-man operation and you literally have the guy’s cell phone number to call up whenever you have an issue – no wait tone, awesome! But if I thought the percentage of the population was already high in the city, I was pretty incredulous when the same study found that rural libraries provide 70.3% of the population with its only free Internet service. These institutions are on average staffed by on average 0.75 of a librarian with a master’s degree, 1.9 librarians, and 4 staff members (full- and part-time).

There’s a large divide between where I work and where I live, but this “digital divide” exists wherever there are people that for whatever reason, – “whether based in socioeconomic status, education, geography, age, ability, language, or other factors” – do not have access to a computer and/or Internet access. With the combination of public libraries experiencing budget and staff cuts and for-profit companies aiming to make the best profit from highly-populated areas, this really leaves rural libraries in an ever-widening technological gap.

Real, Brian, John Carlo Bertot, and Paul T. Jaeger. "Rural Public Libraries And Digital Inclusion: Issues And Challenges."Information Technology & Libraries 33.1 (2014): 6-24. Academic Search Premier. Web. 15 Apr. 2015.

Libraries as Social Hubs

Writing from the standpoint of a health professions campus librarian, Harris points out that “—faculty, staff, and students are frequently focused on their schools or programs rather than on the greater campus community,” on her campus. Having personally attended a science and medical school myself, I came across the same isolation from any sort of community that existed because faculty and students were engrossed in academics – especially as a Literature and Writing student ;) I stood out quite a bit.

Harris surmises, “It is not always clear who is ultimately responsible for introducing and championing new technologies, supporting relevant or topical campus or community cultural activities, or even providing education in, and support for, scholarly communication activities that appeal to the entire community. This kind of outreach can fall within the philosophical, educational, and leadership mission of librarians.” I thought this quote was especially important because the responsibility has yet to be claimed by any agency, but there do exist specific clubs that welcome people who belong, but for a commuter like me, I needed an environment that was welcoming and convenient while I had the time to be on campus. So Harris came up with a plan to reach out to students: take the time to plan, develop a promotion plan, find partners, and have fun.

Sure, it seems pretty simple and like an easy recipe to follow, but when the duty doesn’t fall on the library to create this, no one will take the time to dedicate attention to the void that seems natural.

Harris, R., Mayo, A., Prince, J. D., & Joan, M. (2013). Creating shared campus experiences: the library as culture club. Journal Of The Medical Library Association, 101(4), 254-256. doi:10.3163/1536 -5050.101.4.005

Libraries in the Digital Age

One of my biggest aspirations is to some day work in an academic/research library in a role that allows me to work directly with students and aid in research methodology. This subject is personally very important to me because of the struggle I had with resource knowledge when I began college. As a first-generation college student, I didn’t know the difference between lower- and upper-division, let alone that the library was chalk-full of research databases or how to use them. In her article “Collaborations Between Librarians and Faculty in a Digital Age” Campbell quotes “Students need to be taught how to use research tools so they can turn information into knowledge.” Students are going to Google and being overwhelmed with the amount of information they receive and unaware as to how reliable or relative it is – they are settling for mediocre information to create ideas.

Campbell writes about the idea of “librarians as co-teachers,” where librarians work with teachers to create research techniques that specifically apply to their class. As an intern at Palomar College Library, I have been able to see instruction being taught first-hand by the faculty-librarians. The most basic of ideas like searching with effective keywords are being taught to students, many for the first time. Another new concept that is being introduced to students is the wide variety of research databases the library provides to students – for free! (Still blows me away that I had no idea about these while in college.)

Having suffered from my own ignorance while in college, I hope to one day have an influence in creating resources and introducing to as many students as possible, maybe in a similar situation, who could really use the help.

Campbell, M. (2010). Collaborations Between Librarians and Faculty in a Digital Age. Education Digest, 75(6), 30-33.

Libraries and the digital divide

Before doing the research on this topic I had no idea what the "digital divide" was. Upon doing my research I can understand the important role Libraries have on that. With technology based learned jumping higher each year it is more important now more than ever to be sure everyone has access to the internet, especially for young children. 

According to a July 2014 article posted to the online New York Times -An astonishing one-third of Americans don't subscribe to internet at home. Why? Because of the cost. Many of these people are on fixed incomes and struggle to provide. Libraries don't have to provide these services, but they see the need and they are struggling to keep up.

With each passing year the curriculum for schools is going more and more digital. At my son's school for instance, the 3rd-5th graders are using Google docs, power point, and chrome books. These things are all done on digital devices that some families can not provide at home. It is disheartening to think that kids will struggle in school because their family couldn't provide these. This reason, to me, is why it is SO important that we try harder and harder each and every year to bridge that "divide"

Here is a great Info-graphic I found online describing how likely people were to use different public library services.

These are all online bases library resources and its obvious people want and will use them at their library showing us that there is a need for libraries and technology!

In the video provided below you see Mr. Microsoft himself, Bill Gates talking about the "digital divide" and how he is hoping to help close it. Keep in mind, this video is from 2003 but the demand for access to these technologies is growing more with each passing year. 

http://highered.nbclearn.com.prozy.palomar.edu/portal/site/HigherEd/browse?cuecard=2066

Reference-

New York Times:

http://www.nytimes.com/roomfordebate/2012/12/27/do-we-still-need-libraries/libraries-struggle-to-close-the-digital-divide

Video:

http://highered.nbclearn.com.prozy.palomar.edu/portal/site/HigherEd/browse?cuecard=2066

Info-graphic: 

http://floatlearning.com/2013/11/bookless-library-bibliotech-aims-to-help-bridge-digital-divide/

Libraries as social hubs

   The social aspect of the library is just as important as the technology. In this I mean libraries can be a great place to hang out. Let me repeat that Libraries are a great place to hang out. I know when you think of a library you think quiet, boring, homework, and tons of old books. That just simply isn't true. 

Many libraries now-a-days are rethinking the library due to the digital demand. Before the libraries were stocked with technology, I used to go to the library after school to just hang out. Was it fun? No, but my friends were there and I wanted to socialize. I can not even count how many times we were kicked out. Which shows that there really was a need of social space for people in the library. Not just for kids, but for the community we needed places to just meet and talk to friends that was quiet and serene. Now as a mother I visit the library frequently to socialize. I take my son to the various children's programs offered and we go to have play dates after school. 

So what makes a library a Social hub? Space. You need to provide space for every important aspect of the library. That means books, technology, programs, and socialization. I found this video below to be very interesting. The man in the video (Joshua Prince-Ramus) is an architect and he describes an interesting view on how he designed the Seattle library as a social hub.

The Point is, libraries can be a great space to do other things than read. The Seattle library for instance has a multi-layer design to make each space unique and make it a fun place to meet with friends or have a business meeting. Yet it still has the quiet spaces within to read a book, browse the internet, and do your homework making it a great apace for everyone within the community. 

The DEMISE of school libraries

 

 

The Demise of School Libraries

The city of San Diego school libraries are facing cuts with hours, budget, and staff  every day.  Our local neighborhood school library is not even open this school year. The library I do my volunteer work is only open 3 days a week. The demise of our libraries needs to stop for our student’s sake.  Libraries play and important role in our children’s lives. Libraries open a world for children to explore, learn, and be creative  By having a library at our children’s schools it gives them an opportunity to have access to resources. Students need libraries to do their research papers, and to get books to read. Sometimes the school library is the only time a child can get a book. Libraries should take a step back and examine what has been done and what needs to change.

Libraries need to reevaluate what they have to offer and how they can support Common Core and teachers. Through their displays they can set up science, history, counting books, and different levels of reading books. Displays show the children the kinds of books they have to offer and support the teacher’s curriculum. “The librarian’s stance needs to be: “I care about our students and the library services they receive. I believe parents as taxpayers have a right to know and should weigh in on decisions that are being made about the education their kids receive.”  (Modern Language Assoc.)

The school librarians can work with the community getting them involved for support like the PTA and parents.  Volunteers who come to help in the library can talk to other parents about how important the library is and how they are talking about shutting down the library. The word of mouth is a powerful tool. If we do not take action now we will be losing a lot more school libraries and children will lose opportunities to have access to books.

 

Works Cited

KACHEL, DEBRA E. "Proactive Strategies for Maintaining School Library Programs, Part 1." School Library Monthly 31.2 (2014): 29-31. Academic Search Premier. Web. 16 Apr. 2015.

KACHEL, DEBRA E. "Reactive Strategies for Maintaining School Library Programs, Part 2." School Library Monthly 31.3 (2014): 29-31. Academic Search Premier. Web. 16 Apr. 2015.

Libraries in the Digital Age

           The digital age has affected libraries in different ways but for those who were ready it gave them just the boost they needed to stay ahead of the game and continue to do their intended job of giving communities a place to come together and offering them information in the best way possible. Granted some libraries may be having difficulty changing with the digital age but those who were ready they have been able to give their patrons just what they are looking for which in many cases is access to digital devices and materials. So what exactly does it take to make a library a success in this digital age? At the library I frequent you can walk in and sign up to use one the computers in their computer room, or if you bring your own personal device you can sign up using their free Wi-Fi and then go online to read any e-materials from their online catalog, or if you are a parent your children can play games on the computers that are in the children's area.

              
           Libraries across the nation are changing and adapting to fit their communities needs and some of the key elements to their success come down to providing materials and equipment that fit with the digital world of the 21^st century and appeal to the greatest needs which at this time seems to be e-materials and access to the Internet. (Brindley 9) Renting e-books and materials is one of the most convenient digital enhancements that libraries have implemented watch this video to find out more: E-books. Libraries of the future are being redefined and this library in San Antonio, Texas has completely redefined the idea of library by becoming a completely digital library which means there are no physical books at the library and for those who have no digital equipment there are e-readers which can be checked out and borrowed just like they would a book. 

  

Here is an interesting video about the functions of libraries in the past and libraries in the future. 

References

Brindley, D. J. (2009). Challenges for great libraries in the age of the digital native. Information Services & Use, 29(1), 3-12. doi:10.3233/ISU-2009-0594

Haber, S. (2011, March 01). The changing role of libraries in the digital age. Retrieved April 13, 2015, from http://www.huffingtonpost.com/steve-haber/the-changing-role-of-libr_b_803722.html

Johnson, D. (Director). (2010, March 25). Libraries past - libraries future [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7K-4ZF0x5ic

Shamlian, J. (Reporter), & Holt, L. (Anchor). (2013, September 14). Check Out the Library of the Future. [Television series episode]. NBC Nightly News. Retrieved from https://highered.nbclearn.com.prozy.palomar.edu/portal/site/HigherEd/browse/?cuecard=66814

Tibbles, K. (Reporter), & Seigenthaler, J. (Anchor). (2004, February 19). Online Libraries. [Television series episode]. NBC Nightly News. Retrieved from https://highered.nbclearn.com.prozy.palomar.edu/portal/site/HigherEd/browse/?cuecard=2060