21st century public libraries : changes, challenges and opportunities

Abstract

This dissertation focuses on the changes faced and challenges required by 21st century public libraries in order to remain relevant in today’s globalized world. Many public libraries across the world have been shutting down due to the drastic technological change that has affected the 21st century. Chapter 1 focuses on how public libraries have been serving the community for hundreds of years and how much relevant and significant they still are to this very day. In Chapter 2, in an overview of what four particular public libraries have done towards accepting the new challenges and changes with their own different tactics. Two very popular and advanced public libraries were selected to demonstrate how modern public libraries should look like at this time and age. Another rather new public library was also discussed to demonstrate that having a modern and advanced public library is not as easy as it seems. Finally, the Malta Central Public Library was evaluated, and used as an example of what many public libraries are struggling through to keep up with today’s digital age. Chapter 3 focuses on current challenges that many public libraries are going through. Challenges vary from physical space, technological infrastructure, proper training for librarians, and many others. Chapter 4 is centred on opportunities that are derived from the same challenges that were discussed in the previous chapter. The technological change that has brought many challenges to public libraries has also brought many opportunities as well. In Chapter 5 various methods which might help libraries move forward are explored.