The trend-spotting folks at What’s Next have released their list of 2008 trends. Speculation is one of my favorite sports, so I thought I’d offer some random thoughts on possible library responses to these trends. These are impromptu responses to possibilites, and I hope people with run with them and offer their own thoughts.
1. Rhythm and Balance. A call for more traditional library services, such as print books, phone service, programming? These have always been in high demand in Pittsburgh, but perhaps they will experience an ‘08 renaissance? Good f2f customer service could become more valuable if patrons begin to experience tech anxiety, and put a higher premium on interpersonal interactions.
2. Karma Capitalism. Higher demand for materials, information, and programming on green living, sustainable business practices, slow food, religion, philosophy, interpersonal relationships?
3. Making things. A good time to bring back the “How to” program series? Increased demand for books on DIY materials of all stripes, from construction to handicrafts?
4. Something for nothing. Increase in circ and visits as people re-discover the concept of “Free to the People”?
5. Industrial provenance. Wow. Good one. How will libraries/librarians respond to these requests for information, if they materialize? Is Google the best search tool for this information? Is there a metasite for this sort of thing? Will someone build one?
6. Robotics. More and better gadgets to help us do our jobs? I’m a tad skeptical that, even with voice and visual recognition, a robot could shelve books better than one of our pages. I would not, however, say no to something hand-held and portable that would give me catalog access in the stacks (extra love if it’s compatible with III and has barcode recognition).
7. Data visualization. Librarians’ skills in these areas will achieve greater recognition and increased value (hey, I can dream). As the amount of information continues to increase, the need for trained professionals could increase proportionately, especially as Google cleans up on the easier searches, leaving us the stumpers.
8. Reality mining. Patrons could become less concerned about privacy, and more willing to give up personal information, while librarians, as gatekeepers of said privacy, would have the opposite reaction. People’s current willingness to lend their cards, and grant written permission for family members to pick up books, etc., is a sign this is already in progress.
9. Eco-exhaustion. People could become even less impressed with marketing, hype and buzzwords, making alternatives to traditional marketing (blogs, Facebook apps, etc.) more attractive alternatives for libraries seeking to promote their services.
10. Fantasy and escape. Higher circ in the fiction collection, especially sci-fi, fantasy and horror. Higher circ in non-fiction current events materials?
Remember: speculation is not a spectator sport. What do you think? If these things happen, how could libraries respond?
Don said,
January 25, 2008 at 12:21 pm
LAV:
Because the last shall be first, I always vote for escapism in entertainment when the going gets rough … it’s tried and true.
The one that jumps out is Karma Capitalism. Everyone is waiting for the other shoe to drop with Google, are they really the next evil empire. Let’s think Karma Capitalism. The juxtaposition of these two seemingly disparate elements is perfection itself: it points to the fact that Karma doesn’t necessarily have to be about “we” and capitalism doesn’t necessarily have to be about “me.” Someone who might initially say “screw green” might think different from a karmic capitalistic POV.
Of course, #4 is the very best.
Don