Libraries Today

With the increasing digitization of books and course materials, the future of libraries and their role in universities is a frequent topic for discussion. Many see libraries as the great gathering spaces of a university, and envision the contemporary library as responding with a cafe-like atmosphere where students can relax with a coffee while enjoying the wireless service.

And although there has been talk of a coffee shop in Cameron Library, the recent renovations appear to have been an upgrade on aesthetics, maintaining the full functionality available before. Perhaps the greatest change for students is the new hours for the library, which is now open 24 hours, allowing for more late-night study space on campus.

And what of the staff? If students are going to be using libraries for buying coffee, browsing digital libraries, and studying with friends, what role does the librarian have in the future? Many look to publishing and copyright. With the complexity of the field, publishers are often in need of expertise, and libraries could provide this much needed advice.

For now, however, libraries will continue to play their current role, often involving everything mentioned above.