Libraries following trends for the future

Trends have always been around. They come and go just like different styles of fashions. Trends are important to pay attention to when it comes to libraries. You have to pay attention to what the community wants, and that includes following the trends of today and tomorrow. In class we had the assignment of looking at trends. They have to do with many different topics but I chose three that stood out to me and seemed like they would be important today and for the future. These trends may go out of style in a few years, but 50 years down the road become popular again.

1. Aging Advances
The population of older generations is increasing with each new year. This means there are more costs, and more planning involved in not only taking care of our elders, but keeping them busy. The life expectancy for adults is becoming extended each year with health, and scientific advances. We must deal with these changes because they cannot be ignored. There are more retirees now so they need leisure activities. Why not do this at the local library?! Libraries are starting to expand their large print sections, give basic technology skill classes, and have programs dedicated to seniors. Wouldn't it be great if we, as librarians, could go into the nursing homes and be like meals on wheels, but with books, and programs? I think having activities run from the library would be great. Librarians, could get suggestions of what the retirees want to learn and offer programs that reflect their ideas. More programs could be done during the day for them, like children librarians do for toddlers and young kids. Libraries have a big impact on creating a fun and warm environment for the older generations, and I hope they can find inventive ways to give them access to new learning opportunities. The problem is funding. Libraries must find ways to pay for all these extras. If the programs are at nursing homes, the libraries could split the cost or the nursing home could give the library a set amount of money for each activity. The other problem is space. All these activities and books require space that could be nonexistent in some smaller communities. I do not have a solution at the moment for the space problem, but I hope it can be dealt with when it comes time to do new projects.

2. Emerging Adulthood
I decided to stick with an aged theme on this second trend. This trend is where people in their late teens through their twenties are adjusting to adulthood. It is becoming more common for adults to live at home a little longer than they used to, and become financially independent. This phase in life is important because it is the foundation for the rest of a person's life. It is also a time for them to figure out what they want to do with their life. These adults are in a transitioning phase. This group does not consider themselves an adult or a teen. They are in the middle of getting to adulthood. This could pose a problem for them when they go to libraries. Do they go to the teen section or do they go to the adult section to get a good book? There is a new genre to cope for these confused people(me included)! It is called the New Adult. It is a nice mix of young adult and adult type books that has a happy medium for readers.
Another problem for this age range is being taken seriously in the career field they choose. Libraries can help out by giving them career resources, as well as using the Rent a Person strategy. If your local library has a person that is knowledgeable about the field you are trying to get a job in then rent them for a mock interview. It could be a great learning experience.
Also, programs are an issue. Many libraries appeal to kids, teens, and adults. The problem is that those in the emerging adulthood phase of life cannot go to teen programs anymore, and they do not seem interested in the adult programs. They are left out when it comes to programming. At my local library there is a distinct absence of this age range when it comes to programs. I think libraries need to start book clubs for this age range, or offer a more diverse type of book for book clubs. Also, when it comes craft time for programs do ones that could be geared to new homeowners, or those adjusting to dorm life. One idea could be doing something like decoupaging a nightstand. Dorm rooms need those, and older generations appeal to this as well. The emerging adulthood just wants to be included and feel welcome so find a happy medium for them!

3.Sharing Economy
A sharing economy is one where there is not many who have ownership of a good, or if they do they are willing to rent or share that good. This is becoming a very popular idea. People who cannot afford a good or service are now able to with a shared economy. This can be anything from a laptop to a car. The shared economy idea is great because it cuts back on costs and people can use more products they never would have before. Libraries can contribute to this trend just by being open. They loan books, CDs, DVDs, and people. Some are open 24/7 so there is unlimited access. People share computers and internet when they go to use a computer at a library. They also can share a space. Libraries can expand on this idea by loaning out tablets, park passes(state and national), 3D printers, and equipment like projector screens and furniture. In a previous blog I touched base on Rent a Person and on the cake pan exchange. These both fall under a shared economy. This trend is one I want to start doing in my life. It will save me money, and I can broaden my knowledge on different devices.

Trends are happening everyday. The way we know is by the change in society. Libraries must pay attention to them or even start their own trends. Remember librarians, you could make a difference with the smallest change, but have the biggest impact on your community.

Sources:
http://www.ala.org/transforminglibraries/future/trends