What is the library of tomorrow?

When we think of a library, what do we think of? In a traditional sense, a library is a collection of books. But our idea of what a library contains has changed. Libraries are so diverse and multifaceted, and different people use the library in different ways. Our means of communicating with our users have changed, as has the platforms on which we meet them. The field of information science has undergone many changes, and as a profession librarians have adapted to these changes. But what will these adaptations entail for the future? What options do you have as an educated librarian today, and tomorrow? It is not only the information professional that has changed, but also our options and opportunities.

The library also has a chance at being an important “third place”, a meeting place, and a social platform for interaction in a multicultural society. Can the library help integrate and ease new citizens into new surroundings and a new culture? To what degree is a third place dependent on the physical library? Can the library also function as an interactive meeting place in the form of social networks? And what part do information professionals play in attaining such a role?

The BOBCATSSS symposium of 2011 will focus on finding new ways for libraries, librarians and other information professionals and library and information science. We have established four subthemes, but the call for papers will not be limited to these:

New user groups

Examples include researchers, journalists, and new citizens. What are their needs and how can we as information professionals help them?

 The library as a social meeting place/third place

As in a third place, a low intensity meeting place, a place for learning and sharing knowledge. How can the library help breach social divides?

As a physical place, can library architecture influence the social environment and help create sustainable library services?

 New working methods

Examples include interactive communication, digital resources, and social networks

 The library and information professional

Today librarians and information professionals work within research, cultural mediation and knowledge management in addition to libraries, archives and so on. Where will tomorrow’s information professional work?