Emerging technologies are changing the way we live and learn. Libraries can play a key role in this future. Information is no longer bound to a form or a place. The library and resource center that builds value and thrives will be fluid enough to anticipate and quickly respond to new technologies and user expectations. The hyperlinked library is welcoming, participatory, and incorporates user input.

 

The hyperlinked library is human, and its communications, externally and internally, are in a human voice. It is a playful model emphasizing collections and spaces that evolve via user and staff participation in a transformational anytime, anywhere service dynamic. Imagine the evolving hyperlinked library as a creation space, community space, anything space. Imagine this library available everywhere via mobile devices and tablets. Imagine opportunities for user learning supported and facilitated by librarians. How will library services change with large scale, global learning and mobile classrooms in the palm of one’s hand? What skills will staff require? What does the library as creative classroom look like? What does this future look like going forward as we encourage learning everywhere as a means for transformative change for ourselves and our users. This session will explore new ideas and thinking about learning at the library.

 

Dr. Michael Stephens is Assistant Professor in the School of Information at San Jose State University. He was the 2009 CAVAL Visiting Scholar in Australia, consulted and presented for US Embassies in Germany, Switzerland, and Turkey, and presents to both national and international audiences about emerging technologies, learning, innovation, and libraries. Dr. Stephens writes the monthly column “Office Hours” for Library Journal exploring the issues, ideas, and emerging trends in libraries and LIS education. To review Dr. Stephen’s archive of work, visit his Tame the Web website and blog http://tametheweb.com/