Bibliophiles and library-lovers may enjoy CNN’s online feature, “Your favorite libraries,” posted in honor of National Library Week (April 13-19) to invite readers to submit stories and pictures of their favorite libraries from around the world: ireport.cnn.com/topics
To this feature we contributed a narrative/photographic description of one of our favorite libraries, the Openbare Biblioteek Amsterdam (OBA) in the Netherlands, which I had the opportunity to visit last summer. Designed by Jo Coenen, this innovative institution is much more than a repository of books, records and art. It houses a multitude of community programs, including live performances, lectures and radio stations, adding another dimension to urban life and the library experience. For the full article, please visit: ireport.cnn.com
With all OBA has to offer in digital and computer technology and as a comprehensive cultural resource, this remarkable one-stop community center is realizing the full potential of the Library of the Future.
Those wishing to read more about the future of the library might enjoy an article I wrote for Academy Editions & Architectural Design, “Whither://multi-media.(cyber).libraries?” (Brawne, Michael, Library Builders, London: Academy Editions, 1997, pp. 13-19). Though written almost 20 years ago, this piece examined the different permutations of the roles a library could assume as the full brunt of the digital revolution was manifesting itself.
