I ran across an interesting photo-essay "exploring the question of how to build a public library in the age of Google, Wikipedia, and Kindle" on Slate (link). I espcially like large, neo-classical reading rooms, like the one in Doe Library (link) on the Berkeley campus. I spent somelovely hours reading and studying in thre.

There's some really impressive architecture there. As the accompanying text makes clear, emphasis is perhaps moving from the large stacks to the provision of Internet access and other electronic services. Libraries will certainly change but not die, I trust!

Yes, I agree, arnie. They already have changed significantly from when I was a child. Remember those old card catalogues? Yet, who wouldn't want to sit in that beautiful library in Berkeley and read? Heck, I even like sitting in the Glencoe Library (next suburb up from us), sitting by the fire, and reading in their leather chairs. The Winnetka Library, though, is rather ugly and not special at all.

My library branch is considered to be a new model for urban branches in our system. When we built it - opened Feb 2004 - we tripled the floor space and kept the same modestly-sized collection of items. We ofer lots of seating and gathering space, and nearly 30 computers for public use.

Libraries (in the profession) are talking about being "destination places" and "community hubs" and "the third place" (meaning after home and work, you have the library).

Seattle's library really got a lot of ink when it was opening because of it's design . . . but also because it was built with a different view of public service. The library staff all have Vocera badges, personal digital comm badges, and can talk to one another instantly from all over the property. Also, the building is designed with a huge spiral in the middle, with the shelving going up in the spiral in one continuous flow of Dewey. LOL I would love to go see it!

The interesting thing, though, about libraries that just came up for me this week . . . what will happen to all of our space for computers once there is wifi throughout the city and laptops are under $100?

I do think the author of the article finishes it correctly, though. The present and future of libraries is all about human contact. I am no longer in the business of being a book pusher - I am all about giving great customer service, building relationships and making connections with and for the community.