IT and society: Libraries of the future

A group of scholars, designers and constructors from the Netherlands have unveiled their vision of the “Library of the future” which is likely to appear in Eindhoven in 2040.

Everything will be different in the “library of the future”. Printed books will be replaced by their electronic counterparts, whereas state-of-the-art robots will displace librarians.

Any patron will have an access to library’s holdings via their PC, iPad and other devices designed for reading books. What is more, patrons will make use of wi-fi to download books from the library’s archive. User will only need to sign in and millions of books will be at his service. It is very convenient – no fear to return the book not in time, lose it or stain it by accident.

Library will become closer and more accessible – its branches will be available on almost every bus stop. Every person will have an opportunity to choose the necessary book to while away the time on the road in public transport, and then just leave it on the next bus stop. This will serve distribution and popularization of books – so-called “book crossing”.

“Public library will become a place which will bring together people, information and traditions, - developers stress. – The library is located in the city, and simultaneously the city gets integrated into the library”.