The digital age has also affected how people read today. With the emergence of technology, books and other information that you can find in a library can be easily accessed online. So if fewer people visit the libraries, what will happen to the librarians today?
Traditionally, people visit libraries for research and school purposes or simply have something to read. Using Dewey Decimal Classification System, they can easily find the paper records or printed books they need.
But 150 years after this system got invented; the new technology has changed how people consume information and read. According to the South China Morning Post, in a survey made by the Hong Kong Publishing Professional Society, 31 percent of 2,063 participants revealed it was a year ago since the last time they held a printed book.
About 12 percent of the respondents said they read e-books. Others who told they are regular online readers often read news and commentaries online, or browse their social media feed. So to keep up with time and to cater the readers' needs, libraries should have both paper and digital records.
The 21st-century libraries need to give its readers access to online information, digital libraries, and other information resources on the internet, including the use of media players. "We carried gramophone records a long time ago," Hong Kong Public Libraries special duties unit chief librarian Melinda Lee Mei-ling said. "As audio-visual materials became popular in later years, we started carrying VCRs [videocassette players], and then CDs and DVDs. We had to upgrade our players accordingly."
So is there still a need for libraries and librarians' help today? San Francisco city librarian Luis Herrera said people need these two today more than ever.
Libraries are more relevant today. "They are a place for personal growth and reinvention, a place for help in navigating the information age, a gathering place for civic and cultural engagement and a trusted place for preserving culture," he said, per TeachThought.
Libraries try its best to keep up with the trend and new technologies. It remains to be relevant and significant, even if traditional bookstores are still finding its way to the digital era.
Librarians, on the other hand, also adapt to the change. They are now providing access, guidance, and training to both physical and electronic books and records on site. They also give access to online archives available on digital databases.
They still play an important role in educating library visitors on how to use digital library services. Most libraries today turn into technology hubs that offer free or low-cost training.
Librarians are more valuable today because of their knowledge, expertise, community relations skills, and passion for providing facts and information, and teaching social literacy. There is a wide array of learning materials you can find on the internet, but only them who can provide the accurate information and credible sources you needed.
