According to a recent article in American Libraries online, the Center for the Future of Libraries will focus its work on three key efforts, instead of just a single blueprint, which is no longer valid. The key areas include distinguishing which key trends are relevant to libraries, fostering new cutting-edge methods and techniques to aid librarians in shaping their future, and establishing connections with experts in innovation to help libraries to address issues as they develop.
The first step, according to Center President Miguel A. Figueroa, is to focus on emerging trends. His first plan of action begins with the establishment of a “Trend Library” that gives concise information on trends, how they evolve, and why they matter to the future of libraries. Included also are links to research and resources that point to the significance of these trends for libraries. Figueroa’s top ten trends include the following: aging advances, collective impact, connected learning, data everywhere, drones, Internet of things, maker movement, privacy shifting, robots and sharing economy. To view these trends in depth, please see the article here. [This article also provides ammunition for those arguments that begin with… “But why do we still need libraries?”]