What does the “modern library” look like?
The concept of a library dates back to the early years of human history, from archives
of clay tablets in Mesopotamia, to papyrus and parchment records found in ancient
Greece.
Although today’s library looks a bit different than the libraries of the past, libraries
— including Hale Library and the other libraries on the K-State campus — continue to serve an important role in society. (Did you know? K-State has five libraries: Hale Library; the Math/Physics Library;
the Paul Weigel Library of Architecture, Planning and Design; the K-State Salina Library;
and the Veterinary Medical Library.)
When people hear the word “library,” they often think of a collection of printed books.
And while that is an important part of K-State Libraries’ function, these libraries also offer a number of cutting-edge multimedia resources as they evolve into the
future.
We asked Joe Mocnik, dean of K-State Libraries, to share more about the modern library
and how K-State's libraries have innovated to serve the needs of students both today
and tomorrow.
How have K-State Libraries (as well as libraries in general) evolved over the years? How would you define the "modern library" and its role in society?
The biggest change in recent years is the space. After the 2018 fire in Hale Library,
we were able to completely reimagine the building and incorporate spaces we were unable
to before, such as the popular collaboration rooms on the first floor and the instruction
room on the third floor. We also opened the Sunderland Foundation Innovation Lab,
which offers a variety of innovative technologies for anyone to use, such as 3D printers,
a makerspace, a laser cutter, video and audio production rooms, and more.
The Butler Digitization Lab is also a recent addition to Hale Library. Equipped with
high-resolution cameras and software, the lab allows staff to digitize physical collections
so they can be made available online and accessed by anyone around the world.
We have evolved in other ways, as well, such as increasing the size of our digital
collections, coordinating open access textbook initiatives and teaching workshops
on artificial intelligence. Modern libraries, like everyone else, are adapting to
new technologies and helping patrons use those in a way that advances a more literate
society.
What are some features of a modern library that people might not know about or expect?
Libraries are incorporating more and more technology into their spaces, far beyond
computer labs. Innovation labs, like the Sunderland Foundation Innovation Lab at Hale
Library, are becoming more prevalent when there is access to adequate funding.
There is also an increasing focus on taking care of patrons holistically — many libraries
offer financial and tax resources, free COVID tests or access to showers and hygiene
products. They host food and coat drives, teach crafts, offer bicycle repair kits
to check out and much more. At their core, libraries are about increasing access,
and that can take on many shapes and forms.
In academic libraries in particular, people may not realize the large role libraries
play in academic publishing and open access. K-State Libraries runs New Prairie Press, which offers open access publishing for journals, conference proceedings, e-books,
textbooks and more. Open access means offering online content to all readers with
no financial barriers to access. We also provide guidance and resources for faculty
on how to create open education resources, such as textbooks, that save students money.
Our Open/Alternative Textbooks Initiative has saved students more than $10 million
in textbook fees.
K-State Libraries is leading efforts at the university in research data facilitation
and management. Managing data increases efficiency and makes it easier to understand
details and procedures related to data collection and maintenance throughout the lifecycle
of scholarly publication and research. Preserving research data ensures sustainability,
facilitates new discoveries, allows researchers to be recognized for their contributions
and satisfies the funding agencies’ mandates.
Libraries also promote and teach information literacy, such as understanding how to
use search engines to find the best results or how to evaluate sources on social media.
With artificial intelligence becoming more prominent, K-State Libraries has been working
on resources and outreach to help Kansans understand and ethically use AI. This has
included hosting workshops, preparing LibGuides and even hosting a symposium this
fall.
Hale Library has both print/hard copy and digital resources for the public to access: what are some of the impacts of both these types of resources and how/why are they both important in modern society?
When the Libraries makes decisions about what type of resources to purchase, we consider several different factors, such as the primary audience and whether the material lends itself better to one medium or another. For instance, some of our colleges have moved predominately to digital resources, whereas something like a cookbook might be used more in print. Our physical materials have been collected over many decades, but new purchases are more likely to be digital, as they provide greater access to a wider audience, especially as the university grows its reach through initiatives like K-State 105 or K-State Online.
What is the significance of the library as a public space/common gathering place to build community?
Building community is of great significance to libraries and that includes the K-State
Libraries. During the renovation of Hale Library, we made a concerted effort to design
spaces and purchase furniture that would be conducive to both collaboration and private
study. Joyce and Joe’s Cornerstone Café provided another incentive for students to
gather and socialize in a central location on campus. Our branch locations also offer
spaces for groups to gather and study or socialize.
The stereotype of a silent library with stern librarians who shush patrons is no longer
applicable. We want our spaces to be welcoming and vibrant, where everyone feels at
home.
One of the priorities of the Libraries is DEIB, which stands for diversity, equity,
inclusion and belonging. We want to be continuously improving our space and our work
to ensure everyone feels welcome, included and equitably served.
What are some features we could see in the library of the future?
I think we’ll see technology becoming more prominent and utilized in new ways. But, as these increasingly advanced technologies are developed and adopted, it will be important to ensure that our services are crafted in a way to emphasize human connection and relationship building. We don’t want to lose those vital elements to technical efficiency. As mentioned, there will also be an increasing focus on taking care of patrons holistically by expanding our services into the health and wellness spaces. I also think there will need to be a greater focus on sustainability and energy neutrality.