The Effect of Technologies on Library Design: Building the 21st Century Library

Whether they arecalled netgeners, born digital, digital natives, screenagers, Generation Y or Generation Z, the current and next generation of library users want everything, and they want it now. They communicate constantly, tapping and swiping I-Phones, I-Pads and androids as they broadcast their daily activities via Twitter and Facebook. They rarely sit still and do nothing and do not discriminate in using technology between their personal and professional lives – studying, working and living are all integrated in the mashed-up infosphere. They are readers, viewers, listeners, writers and speakers and use a variety of media. What use do they make of libraries? What do they want from us? How do library buildings accommodate their needs? One emerging trend is the need for silence – the generation who communicates constantly via their fingers and thumbs and the photographic record seems to want quieter spaces in libraries. They remain voyeurs and view others at work and play – but more silently it seems, although they still want opportunities to meet with others and discuss learning and life – preferably with food and drink. They are serious about what they do and want to b