Key Questions for the Library and Education Communities

2020 Visioning Process: Key Questions for the Library and Education Communities 

The Regents Advisory Council on Libraries (RAC) invited broad input from the library and education communities to inform development of a new statewide plan for library services. I think that the following questions adopt by RAC are equally important for the library associations/institutions/bodies in other parts of the world to think and seek answers:

1. What are the two most important roles of libraries today?  What will they be in the future?  How will libraries fulfill these future roles?
2. What are the greatest challenges libraries will face over the next 10 years?  What assets and resources do libraries have that can overcome these challenges?  What are the barriers that will prevent libraries from meeting these challenges?
3. How can library service be extended to those currently not using libraries?  How do we engage community members in connecting their needs to libraries?
4. What will be the most important roles of school libraries in the future?  What will increase the visibility and relevance of school libraries?
5. How can academic libraries be more integral to their own institution’s community? Is there a role for academic libraries beyond the campus?  If so, what is that role?
6. What can public libraries do to ensure their survival?  How can they better serve their communities?
7. What will be the most important roles of special and research libraries in the future?  What will increase the visibility and relevance of special and research libraries?
8. What are the greatest challenges facing New York State’s libraries systems over the next 10 years?  What are the assets and resources library systems will need to meet these challenges?
9. How can the State Library and the State Education Department help libraries position themselves to successfully meet the needs of all New Yorkers for library services in 2020 and beyond?
10. What will be the impact on libraries with the rapid growth of commercial information sources like streaming video, iTunes, and e-books?  How can libraries prosper in a Digital Age?