Libraries in the Digital Age
By: Angela Lee

 Some people wonder if the library is still relevant in today's world with so much information readily available on the internet. My thoughts are that the library is more important than ever. Today's students are growing up in a world where online technology is something they will never have lived without. In order for all students to have the same opportunities, libraries must have trained staff that can assist the students who may not have access to the internet at home. Not everyone has a computer or a smart phone, yet many schools are using google classroom and assigning homework to be done online. My daughter, who is in third grade, uses google classroom to write paragraph prompts from home and then shares these with the teacher who replies back with comments. Her classroom is using power point and google presentations to work on group projects together. It is so important that the library be a space where those who do not have access to this at home can go to the library and receive help from a trained librarian. A library is a place where anyone in the community can come and find the help and information that they need. We must be sure that all students are given the same opportunities with technology and libraries are a place that can provide this. In a speech given by Dame Lynne J. Brindley, she discusses the role of the future library for the "Digital Native" and "Google Generation". As I mentioned, these are the students who are growing up in a world that was never without the internet.  Libraries still play a crucial role for these students. They must be taught that they cannot trust every source that they find on the internet. These students must understand that just because it is on the internet does not make it true. Libraries and librarians are a vital resource in teaching the proper way to find reliable sources on the internet. Some also say the library is becoming obsolete because people do not need to go to a library for research as research can be done from home. While yes, it is true that this is a huge benefit, it is still important to have a library as a place to go. People can meet, collaborate, and find help with research. Again, libraries play a valuable role for those that cannot afford to have the convenience of computers and internet in their homes. I think it is also important to know how to find information in a library. You may not find all of the information you need from an online resource and a library will have access to other materials that may help.  Brindley also discusses the role of digitization of special collections that certain libraries own. Libraries can share these special or rare collections through the internet whereas before you had to go to the actual library.  The Digital Public Library of America http://dp.la has provided access to thousands of resources that were previously available only at the specific library that housed the item. This is exciting because you can view material from a library that we may not have ever been able to see otherwise.  I have included an interesting video from You Tube of an interview about this topic with Robert Darnton, head librarian at Harvard. Libraries have an important place in the future of the digital age. 

Works Cited

Brindley, Dame Lynne J. "Challenges For Great Libraries in The Age Of The Digital Native." Information Services & Use 29.1 (2009): 3-12. Academic Search Premier. Web. 9 Apr. 2015

The Agenda with Steve Paiken. "The Library in the Digital Age." YouTube. YouTube, LLC, 23 August 2013. Web. 9 Apr. 2015