When someone asks you to think about the word 'library' what is the first image that pops into your head? For most people, they imagine a large room filled with bookshelves and tables, people sitting quietly reading or studying, and an older lady sitting at the front desk shush-ing people as they come in. Libraries have struggled with this old stereotype for years, and while they have moved beyond the times where this is accurate, the new challenge that they face is communicating this to the people that use or don't currently use library resources.
Libraries are no longer just places to be quiet and study, most now offer programs on using the internet, and using new devices such as tablets and smartphones. There are also services for children (storytime, crafts, etc.), teens (homework help, book clubs,etc.) and even adults and seniors (adult book club, book discussions, tea time,etc.) that are offered. While there still are study spaces and physical books, lots of library materials are now online and easily accessible. Libraries are evolving past the stereotypes of the past, it's just a question about passing this information on to potential patrons to entice them to return to the library once again.
Some other opinions on this issue:
16 Reasons That Librarians Are Still Extremely Important
This site gives 16 reasons why libraries and librarians are still important even with the introduction of the internet, a good defense as to why someone should go to the library with a query instead of just searching. I like the internet as much as the next person, but being a library technician myself, I agree with all of these.
Check the full article out here: http://www.collegeonline.org/library/adult-continued-education/librarians-needed.html
In Modern Libraries - What A Shame That We No Longer Hear Shhhhh
This is a good article highlighting the large change that libraries are continuing to experience in terms of noise levels as well as the constant battle between paperback books and e-books. But, it still shows that in some places, the old stereotype of a 'library' is still holding strong in some places.
Check out the full article here: http://www.thestar.com/news/insight/2013/05/05/in_modern_libraries_what_a_shame_we_no_longer_hear_shhhh.html
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