Beyond the Library of the Future: More Alternative Futures for the Public Library

Abstract

With insightful comments from a variety of sources-and a generous dose of humor-Shuman builds fictional scenarios that are guaranteed to get librarians thinking, What if...? Eight new scenarios explore such developments as virtual reality, robots, time travel, computer viruses, security, and more-all within the context of the public library (or cybrary, as the author calls it). Written in a conversational tone, the book is intended to stimulate discourse and exploration of issues. Current trends are carefully woven into each scenario as Shuman investigates issues surrounding the library's role in the future. A list of quotations about the future and an extensive bibliography for further reading conclude the work. This book is a sequel to (not a revision of) Shuman's previous work The Library of the Future. Like its predecessor, it is entertaining and thought-provoking-a great read for librarians, library administrators, and students in library school.