When American industrialist Andrew Carnegie donated much of his vast fortune to help lay the foundation for a national library system, he was doing so in a world where access to information was scarce. Today, we have the opposite problem; there is an overload of information and we need help sorting through and understanding how to use it. In an era of unfiltered content, and even deliberate misinformation, librarians are trusted advisors who patrons rely on to guide them to the right material and educate them on the technological tools needed to navigate the digital landscape. With nine-in-ten American adults reporting that they use the internet in some way, it is commonly thought that ready access to the internet is ubiquitous. However, less than half of people who live below the poverty line have high speed internet access at home and one third of adults over the age of 65 do not use the internet at all3. Libraries play a critical role in bridging the digital divide for these disadvantaged populations by providing technology access and instruction, which helps develop the necessary skills to thrive in a digitally dependent society. Technology has also allowed libraries to change the way they approach their collections. Moving into the digital sphere has allowed the library to expand its reach beyond its walls. Library websites and mobile apps create a sort of virtual branch with 24/7 access to an e-books, music, and movies. Even with physical collection innovations in material management, software allows libraries to use a data-driven approach to collection. This means what is on the shelves is what the patrons look for most, while items unlikely to circulate are stored efficiently off site. This produces a more curated user experience that frees up valuable space without taking away access to books. Books are still what people most associate with a library and expect to see them when they walk in the door. REDEFINING THE LIBRARY FOR A NETWORKED SOCIETY 13
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