My library of the future
My
library concept has to do with a place with free access to knowledge. I would
like to establish an institution where the availability of information is a
right, not a privilege. In this sense, I
would like to offer all the tools I know for accomplish this purpose (open
sources software, platforms where people can build, share and edit knowledge in
groups, dissemination of information so that they can access to books and
resources that are not so popular, etc.) The atmosphere I would like to promote
is a place where people are conscious about the importance of knowledge and how
can change their lives to learn to search and analyze information.
To
achieve that objective, it is necessary that the library is located in a
central neighborhood, ideally in downtown so that everybody can get there
easily.
The
building would have the design of a house. The idea is that the facade makes
users feel as if they were at home, with a cozy atmosphere. There would be many
rooms with different functions, but at the same time, there should be a physical
space where those rooms converge, so that the sharing and meeting is possible. Apart
from having a cataloguing and classifying department, there would be many rooms
available for meeting and doing workshops.
Regarding
technology and equipment, this library would try to be up-to date and, at the
same time, democratic, so that the last advanced technology would be completely
available for everyone, without exception (3D printers, tablet, etc).
About
the collection and material included, this library would have both: material
for the commons and resources for specialized users (professors, researchers,
experts, etc.) The idea is that the library would not be an only-read
environment; however, this does not mean that books and resources that are not
so required would be automatically discarded. The library has the
responsibility of disseminating information, so it has to be attentive to
develop strategies to make known its collection for everyone, not only the
experts.
The
library hours should be from Monday to Sunday, including holydays from 9:00 am
to 19: 45 pm, so that parents with their children can attend.