Library as place: results of a delphi study

Area of Science:

• Library and Information Science
• Health Sciences Librarianship
• Academic Libraries

Background:

• The traditional role of libraries is evolving due to technological advancements and changing user needs.
• Health sciences libraries face unique challenges and opportunities in adapting their physical spaces.
• Designing effective library spaces requires input from diverse stakeholders.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish an expert consensus on the future of health sciences libraries as physical spaces.
• To provide guidance for health sciences librarians in designing adaptable and functional library environments.
• To anticipate future trends impacting library space utilization and design.

Main Methods:

• Convened an expert panel including health sciences librarians, building consultants, architects, and information technologists.
• Gathered expert opinions on over seventy potential changes to library space utilization.
• Assessed the likelihood, desirability, timing, and impact of proposed changes on building design.

Main Results:

• Predicted substantial changes in librarian roles and library usage patterns.
• Identified key drivers of change: technology, scholarly communication, learning environments, and the healthcare economy.
• Anticipated a less standardized use of health sciences library spaces by 2015, with increased tailoring to institutional needs.

Conclusions:

• Health sciences libraries will continue to evolve, offering diverse services and collections.
• Libraries will remain crucial for knowledge management, clinical trials support, and digital resource access.
• Libraries are poised to become institutional change agents, adapting to future demands.