The Internet of Things and what it means for librarians

Raine, L., Pew Research Center.(October 2014). The Internet of Things and what it means for librarians.  PEW Internet and American Life Project. Digital version of this report at http://www.pewinternet.org/2014/10/28/the-internet-of-things-and-what-it-mean-for-librarians/.



     Who would've thought that a wonderful change to the world, such as having access to mobile internet would bring a change in the librarians role.  Raine explains " the librarians role has completely changed along with the library space and media."  For instance, our library has gone completely wireless.  A few colleagues from other campuses, were surprised to find that we had a mobile computers rather than a sitting area with a computer and printer.  A librarians role has changed from circulating and shelving books.  Librarians are sought out for their technology knowledge and implementation.   The belief that cyber librarians will take over a library is pretty obnoxious.  Yes, they may know more languages, knowledge, etc., but the personal interaction and human contact for assistance is put best by Raine, "Librarians are modelers of lifelong learning and value upgrading.  How can cyber librarians top that?
     It has been noted that everything is networked. Some examples of how our world is embedded by networking are fit trackers, home alarms, cell phone devices, pads, watches, tracking keys, and the list goes on and on.  Surveys were taken about how beneficial is it for everything to be  networked.  Survey says, 83% beneficial and 17% no.  Let's take a look at the positive and negative effects of how the internet is embedded in peoples lives. 



             Negatives                                                    Positives

* privacy challenges                                         * convenience
* complexity of technology                               * safety
* humans not adapting to reality                       * useful information
* being without IOT (ex. always checking           * tracking activities
mobile devices)                                                * setting thermostat with  
* humans will not know how to fix things               mobile device  
that don't work


     The list of negative and positive effects of IOT is longer, but seeing just a few captures the essence of how the internet is embedded in our daily lives. Now does this mean that librarians should become obsolete.  ABSOLUTELY, not. I think the general idea of everything becoming IOT shouldn't intervene but more cross paths and enhance student's knowledge of what the world has to offer with the guidance of a librarian.


52 pages (154 out of 150 pages)