I was intrigued by Schultz's visions of Library 3.0: maybe each of us will morph into a "VR info coach" (completing the 23 Things being the first step on the road to this transformation). But Library 4.0 is my favorite--it's library Nirvana. This takes the "library as place" concept to the nth degree, and is certainly compelling as a public library model of the future. Way beyond simply being a place for programming, classes, computer instruction...
But how far away are we from this "aesthetic economy"? Seems like we've been backsliding lately. The Web 2.0/3.0 technologies certainly point to a permanent shift in ways of processing information. However, they highlight an ever-increasing digital divide between the technology "haves" and "have nots." Can financially-pressed libraries support an increasingly robust online presence while simultaneously meeting the resource needs of onsite customers--many of whom still require constant support for basic PC usage?
Maybe we should just skip right over some of the technological bells and whistles and go directly to "a WiFREE space, a retreat from technohustle..." Perhaps we could afford that.
Seriously, this is a critical moment in planning the libraries of the future, and calls for a strong look at the core mission of public libraries. The trick is to remain current, credible and viable, while avoiding waste of limited resources on passing fads.
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