Real libraries for a virtual age : the need for a physical environment for the public library of the future

Abstract

This essay aims to demonstrate that the public library needs to remain a physical entity to fulfil its unique and essential roles in society. The public library service is analysed in order to identify its core roles. Models for virtual libraries are also analysed, and the virtual and physical models are compared in terms of their abilities to fulfil six core roles. The essay concludes that most of the essential features of a public library are lost in a wholly electronic environment. A direction for future libraries is suggested, which takes advantage of the benefits of both models.