One of the best articles I have read so far in these 23 Things is Rick Anderson's "Away from Icebergs." He makes powerful points with very few words and strong illustrations. It is true that we are struggling with the "remnants of a bygone age." Because we serve a clientele that includes older people that cannot, either physically or mentally, keep up with a continually changing technology, it becomes increasingly harder to make good choices of what and how much to acquire in which format. He states that there has been a significant drop in circulation at his library. At least at my branch, this has not happened yet; on the contrary it has increased. A valid point that Mr. Anderson makes is that libraries have no longer a monopoly on information access. This competition of other sources is what must keep us on our toes.
However, the IDEAL LIBRARY where I would wish to work is Dr. Wendy Schultz Lib 4.0.: "But Library 4.0 will add a new mode, knowledge spa: meditation, relaxation, immersion in a luxury of ideas and thought. In companies, this may take the form of retreat space for thought leaders, considered an investment in innovation; in public libraries, the luxurious details will require private partners as sponsors providing the sensory treats. Library 4.0 revives the old image of a country house library, and renovates it: from a retreat, a sanctuary, a pampered experience with information—subtle thoughts, fine words, exquisite brandy, smooth coffee, aromatic cigar, smell of leather, rustle of pages—to the dream economy’s library, the LIBRARY: a WiFREE space, a retreat from technohustle, with comfortable chairs, quiet, good light, coffee and single malt. You know, the library.
I’ll meet you there."
Source: "Infinite Sources" by Dr. Wendy Schultz
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