From the UK: CILIP Launches ‘New Future Libraries Project” to Support “Resilience and Strategy” in Public Libraries

From CILIP (Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals): 

Future Libraries is a two-part initiative from CILIP to challenge and engage librarians and library leaders to reimagine libraries in a world of rapidly evolving living and working patterns.

Part 1 is ‘Come Rain or Shine: Preparing public libraries for the future in an age of uncertainty’ that envisions the challenges and demands that public libraries will face from now until 2040.

It provides strategic analysis of potential future scenarios and how those could impact libraries.

Librarians and sector leaders from Arts Council England, the British Library, GLL, Hampshire County Council, Lancashire County Council, NESTA, Suffolk Libraries, Surrey County Council, and Warwickshire County Council provided insight and input for the report.

Part 2 is the Future Libraries toolkit that provides a practical guide and framework to help libraries strategically analyse possible future uses of their spaces.

The toolkit is designed in line with the outcomes of the report and comprises a practical activity set that you can undertake in your own library for its own unique context.

The Toolkit is made up of an instruction document, templates to complete for your own staff and library, and a presentation that gives all the detail needed to undertake your own horizon scanning activities.

Speaking on the project, Jo Cornish, interim CEO, CILIP said:

“Public libraries are a vital source of trusted information for health, learning, culture, technology and life’s key milestones. They are free to enter, a space where everyone is welcome, and connections can be made. They provide a sanctuary, and trusted information to help people navigate their lives. Librarians have just been announced as the 3rd most trusted profession in the UK to tell the truth and give accurate information. This report and toolkit will equip public libraries to navigate the unknown with strategic foresight, safeguarding their pivotal role for future generations.”

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The report and toolkit are both underpinned by futures literacy, a framework that allows people to better understand the role that the future plays in what they see and do.

Futures Literacy is based on the premises that the future does not yet exist and can only be imagined, and that humans have the ability to imagine.

Learn More, Download the Report and Toolkit

Read the Complete Launch Announcement

UPDATE: Media Coverage From The Bookseller

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