Public library: community space in the digital age

Abstract

This extended essay will evaluate the role of the library as space in the digital age. It will evaluate the historical and modern role of the public library and the services it offers to the community. The public library exists in the public sphere, and has been assisted by philanthropy which has played an important role in the development of the library building and the services offered to the stakeholder. The opinions of New Zealand public library managers have been sought in order to focus the topic on New Zealand, as there is a paucity of literature on this topic. However, this is under threat from the decline of the state's role as public provider, and from the increased use of digital information. Libraries are being measured by the information they provide, and not for the services the community is offered. Alternative funding is being sought and provided, by philanthropic institutions who wish to increase access to digital information sources. This could result in the disappearance of the library building.