Public Libraries

Public libraries are trying to keep up in a world where technological changes are rapid and constant. In order to stay relevant, public libraries must understand and embrace change and new technologies. Public library spaces will continue to be reinvented in order to better meet the needs of users. But where the most amount of change is expected is in digital content. As the library changes, the catalog must change. These changes need to consider not just current needs but the future needs of library users. More and more users are relying on Internet search engines such as Google to search for information. Research shows that while the public still wants access to print books they also want an increase in electronic resources (“Library Services …show more content…
However, a lot of users see the library as more of a last resort because they associate the library with books. They think of it as a place to pick up a book they know is on the shelf not a place to do research. With the use of electronic resources, such as journals and websites, on the rise, the amount of information at one 's fingertips can become overwhelming. Even if the catalog is no longer the library 's primary user service, catalogers are still tasked with creating accurate records to ensure the requested materials are found. The analysis they provide significantly improves the user 's access to a multitude of resources. In a sense, libraries found a way to go to the user, rather than waiting for them to come to the library.
There are several factors that will determine the role of the library catalog in the future. As library catalogs transition from a world of physical distribution to one of digital distribution we will start to see them being used beyond their traditional role. Cataloging, like most areas in the field, is impacted by trends and technological advances. Current library catalogs don 't allow for customization or provide much flexibility for future development. Therefore, libraries have started to look at new interfaces to better position themselves for …show more content…
As libraries go through these changes, library cataloging is also going through rapid transformations. However, the catalog will always be at the center of library operations and services. The catalog allows libraries to maintain information about vital resources affecting collection development, inventory, circulation, and reference. In the current age of rabidly growing information it 's more important than ever that users be able to retrieve that information. Users want to be able to access content from anywhere, at any time, and with any device. It’s up to librarians to design services that can deliver those requests and catalogers to get the information where it needs to be. Future catalogers will need an expanded set of skills in order to meet the demands of a new digital age. Catalogers will be key players in improving the effectiveness and efficiency of metadata access. The public library is no longer just a brick and mortar place to check out books. It is becoming a vital part of users ' lives providing information wherever and whenever they need it