Thought for Food Blog

Libraries and Digital Content, Pt. 2

Many saw the advent of the Internet and particularly Web 2.0 as the death knell for libraries, however this is far from the case and it is plain to see that the modern library continues to be at the heart of a community because of digitisation.

Without trying to sound too sentimental, in addition to providing e-books, digital collections and online resources, libraries are helping keep memories alive. Personal collections and community history projects are all part of digitisation projects around the globe.

Libraries are also helping make available images and resources held in government departments, historical societies, museums, galleries, and by individuals. By digitising this content and constantly seeking to grow and expand their digital collections libraries are leading the way.

Digital Content | IFIS Publishing

Simply put, memories make heritage, and libraries are helping people care for their personal memories and materials – some of which may well eventually be shared as part of cultural heritage projects. Therefore digital and digitised content is here to stay.

Library services are also getting mobile in many original and hitherto unexpected ways. Twitter, Facebook or Google+ are not just spaces for teenagers hunched over smartphones with their thumbs and fingers prodding and tapping. Libraries want to grab hold of digital ideas and communicate them quickly.

Libraries are using social media, like the rest of us, to pass messages around, and make access to resources relevant and up to date. In the end, access to the photos from events, possible via Facebook for example, or receiving a message about what’s going on, say, from Twitter, are all part of social media. Furthermore, many libraries make it possible to get great digital e-audio and e-book content for mobile devices using services like Overdrive and Bright Books.

Quick Response (QR) codes are also proving to be a quick digital access point to media of all kinds, and mobile apps are providing immediate access to digital content anytime, anywhere without needing a computer.

Libraries embracing change and capitalising on new opportunities have a bright future in the digital world. Libraries have always helped us understand the world and build communities. Now, they are just doing it better than ever.

(Image Credit: B S K at www.freeimages.com)



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