Over the past few years, the Miami-Dade Public Library System (MDPLS) has dodged crisis after crisis. This past April it was predicted that the MDPLS would have to cut more than half of its full-time staff and bring in part-time workers to fill this void, but now they face a bigger problem: attracting new generations.
For as long as can be remembered, the public library was known as a place to read books, work on computers, and simply relax but the problem today is that while most of surrounding communities have already invested in newer technology, libraries seem to be biting the dust.
Much like schools that are bringing in tablets to provide their students with, libraries are now rushing to bring in their communities through a series of planned events like sewing classes and even implementing the use of 3D printers.
In a panel hosted by Miami’s Knight Foundation, libraries were urged to remake themselves and stray away from “a quiet place for reading”. Meaning bring in the technology, give out tablets, and use your computers more often.
In a 2013 study of Miami-Dade’s branches it was shown that the 82 percent of adults checked out books, magazines, and DVDs while only about 40 percent used library computers.
Amy Garner, head of an Aspen Institute program on libraries, said in an interview with the Miami Herald, “Branches need to abandon tradition if they’re going to attract new users.”
Today most children have their own tablets or fancy computers, but this isn’t necessarily a bad thing. By using tablets and computers to turn tough subjects into fun games, there have been dramatic increases of success for young children in learning subjects such as math. Kenneth Furton said his school turned around failures in algebra with an interactive game called “Math Gym” which has been held in the campus library.
While this might not be the end of libraries in terms of shutting them down, it might be the end of its tradition of being a nice place to read. Today, libraries are becoming the home of conferences for small businesses or as a home to children needing an interactive boost to get them through a subject.
Adding new activities such as sewing class or new 3D printers will certainly captivate surrounding residents in the community, but libraries might not become home to only books anymore. Maybe they’ll turn into something bigger.
The addition of new technology in public libraries will attract new residents and perhaps more money can be raised to facilitate public library systems. For now, the library will join the tech-savvy age.
