Libraries in the Digital Age

As we continually make technological advances everything seems to be available online, and many people have begun to think that libraries are, or will soon be, obsolete. These people often argue that any and all information can be found online. As library workers and library students, we realize that this is not the case. However, it does beg the question, how will the digital age change reference services in libraries?

People are generally more technologically savvy these days, have access to a computer and Internet, and can often find information they are looking for. But this does not render library reference services irrelevant. Reference librarians still assist patrons with navigating information and finding resources relevant to the patron’s needs. These reference services are now provided, not only in person at the library, but can also be provided online by a librarian via instant message chats or through email.

Online formats seem to be generally preferred over print reference materials, mostly likely due to convenience. Print reference materials are not being used as often as they were in the past, and there has been an increasing amount of reference materials being utilized online (Terrell, p. 58). An obvious plus side to digital reference collections is that they are more easily accessible for most patrons. If patrons can access information from home or on the go, that will likely benefit those who may not have the time to go to the library or the time to sit down with a non-circulating reference book in the physical library. Also, if patrons are taught how to use the online library catalog and databases, they should have an easier time finding appropriate information, since they can look up keywords to search for a source. It may be necessary to educate patrons how to navigate library databases to find reference materials, which will likely be more beneficial to them anyway instead of having them browse a physical collection of reference books.

Another factor to keep in mind is that the physical reference books also take up space that could be better utilized to serve patrons. The library may benefit its community more if it repurposes that space by utilizing it for another need, such as a computer lab. It may not be necessary to do away with a print collection of reference materials, but libraries do need to consider what would be best for their patrons.

Libraries and librarians exist to help people access information. At the end of the day, the format of that information may not be so important. Of course, if a patron prefers information in a specific format, that should be taken into consideration whenever possible. But what really matters is that the patron’s informational needs are met. Library workers must adapt to patrons’ needs to make sure the community is being served as completely as possible.  

Terrell, H.B. (2015). Reference is Dead, Long Live Reference: Electronic Collections in the Digital Age. Information Technology & Libraries, 34(4), 55-62. Doi:10.6017/ital..v34i4.9098