Content, Not Containers

The format of information is rapidly changing. People have become "format agnostic," in which they don't care how their information comes to them, only that it does. They are relying less on books and traditional information formats. Much information comes to a consumer from online resources. One can find anything on the internet. Content is not limited by its container.

Libraries must adapt to this unbound information and make it easily available to consumers who are more self sufficient, more demanding and more discerning. However, how discerning are they really? Many people will believe anything they read on the internet and accept it unequivocally as fact. How are librarians to sort through the fact and the fiction? How can they filter the good information from the bad or educate consumers about the difference? Is this a part of the librarian's job description?

People are not tied down in order to find information. They don't have to have books or newspapers or sit at a computer to find what they want. Many people have instant access to whatever information they desire through their phones or palm pilots. Instant access is an integral part of their lives; how can a library compete? How does a library cater to a public that has instant access to anything? With any information at the public's fingertips, what is the point of libraries?

Everything is becoming digitized, and physical media is more and more obsolete. But what about those people who enjoy the physical? What about those who want a tangible object in their hands? For some the weight of a book is comforting, and the physical object in hand is proof of its existence.

Even now, libraries have the best information, but many users are willing to settle for slightly inferior information that is delivered directly to them the instant they want it, the way they want it. Consumers are spoiled with instant everything from food to service, and they expect their information the same way. A library is too much of a nuisance to use. It is cumbersome and inconvenient. Libraries need to focus on getting information to people digitally and remotely in order to stay relevant. They need to be able to send information to someone's phone or email to them or create a podcast for it. But perhaps, their niche is in being able to provide a context for all the information floating around. They can find a way of directing a search for information towards sources that are relevant for the consumer and narrow down the huge vats of information.