Libraries in the Digital Age

Ms. Bernadette Vela

In my academic career I have had the opportunity to visit multiple academic libraries like the one's pictured below.

CSU Long Beach Library, 1st Floor Map

https://www.csulb.edu/university-library/maps

Starbucks in CSULB 1st Floor

https://www.kempbros.com/projects/california-state-university-long-beach-library-addition-and-renovation

Notice anything? The picture on the right is a Starbucks, located inside the library, as labeled on the lower right of the map! The idea of food and drinks being allowed in the library is linked to the digital age of libraries.

According to Donald Barclay's findings, libraries had to create a space that would progress with the times as the number of library guests visiting and borrowing was decreasing. The academic libraries I have visited fit the description of the "lure of the academic library." Barclay explains that the student-friendly and student-centered trends have libraries "aggressively converting square footage from space to house printed books to space for students to study, collaborate, learn and, yes, socialize." This includes allowing 24/7 library open times during exam weeks.

In my visits to community college and university libraries I have witnessed the construction of library spaces for that student-centered trend during the digital age.

Here is a list of Digital Age upgrades to academic libraries:

Private Group Study Rooms with tech tools - reserved for a limited time.
Quiet Study General Spaces.
Noisy/Group Study General Spaces.
Furniture: Tables and chairs made with attached multi-outlets.
Tech Hub: Computer/ Lab Rooms.
Big Monitors to practice digital presentations and screen sharing.
Phone charging stations/lockers in open areas.
Vending machines of student materials like test forms, paper, pencils, and more.
Printing made available through e-mail.
Wifi
Searchable Digital Databases located on Library webpages. (pictured below on the left)
Online Library Chat- with a librarian. (pictured below to the right)