Pubblicato 12-02-2026
Parole chiave
- Libraries,
- Library Innovation,
- Librarians,
- Future of Libraries
Questo lavoro è fornito con la licenza Creative Commons Attribuzione - Non commerciale - Non opere derivate 4.0 Internazionale.
Abstract
Libraries are gradually changing. Regardless of their current status or their degree of development in the different societies where they operate, in the 21st century these institutions are characterized by an evolutionary capacity and a notable tendency to foster innovation. Thus, the definition by S. R. Ranganathan, who described libraries as growing organizations, remains valid today. These are organizations that grow qualitatively through the activities they perform. (Ranganathan, 1931)
Library systems should be considered innovation systems and this paper will illustrate some of their key characteristics, with particular reference to their re-orientation, to the professional evolution of their staff, to the emergence of new types of libraries.
However, several questions need to be asked: is the innovative spirit of libraries and librarians enough for them to maintain a relevant role in the future? Can the Italian library system position itself as an adequate player in the near future? Conversely, could certain macro-trends in contemporary society lead to the marginalization of library systems?