The Library of the Future, but what Future? Economic and Demographic Conditioning
Ewa Parzonka and Elżbieta Pieńkowska
Abstract
This article examines the meaning of the globalization process, globalization of knowledge and symptoms of globalization in libraries in Poland. In doing so, it examines such things as organizational changes, the role of the Internet, the restructing of the economic system into a global and knowledge–based economy, and the creation of new professions. It also examines social issues that will influence the future of Poland’s libraries such as changing demographics (notably our aging society and new categories of users) and the increased growth of poverty areas.
Introduction
- “In the time of stabilisation everything has a name and everything is in its place; very little can be questioned. In the time of suspension, however, we have a great strength and the power to influence personal, professional and institutional life. All we need is the feeling of sense, a clear idea, a clear vision of the way ahead of us. My God, what a fantastic time we live in!”
— J. Naisbitt, Megatrends [1]
The words of John Naisbitt adapted as the motto of this paper depict our current reality accurately. We live in the world full of continual and dynamic changes within the areas of economy, politics, culture and society. In their everyday work librarians obviously notice the changes, but not always analyse them. However, it is essential that they try to find information about these changes to be able to adapt to the constantly changing conditions.
In this paper issues and phenomena which are most pertinent to the problem in question are presented. The most important among them are the following: globalization, globalization of knowledge, the process of globalization in libraries, the Internet as a means of globalization, transformation of the economic system, and demographic conditioning.
Analysis of the described processes and trends which are taking place in today’s world, is an attempt to answer the question: what future will they bring to libraries?