CSIRO Our Future World report: what could the impact on libraries be?
Have you heard about the CSIRO Our Future World report? It’s a comprehensive study that explores the megatrends that are shaping our world and their impact on different industries. As a librarian, you may be interested to know about the megatrends that are most likely to affect your industry.
Changing Climate: One of the megatrends that stands out is adapting to a changing climate. As we’ve seen in recent years, extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and more severe. As a result, libraries and other organizations will need to adapt to these new challenges. This may involve changes to the way libraries are built, managed and operated to reduce their carbon footprint and improve their resilience to extreme weather events. It could also be an increase in the use of libraries during disasters, as places that have power to charge up phones, as places with access to water and bathroom amenities, as gathering spaces and as communal spaces for disseminating local community information.
The need to be leaner, cleaner and greener: Another megatrend that will impact the library industry is leaner, cleaner and greener. With the global population continuing to grow, libraries will face increasing pressure to do more with less. This means finding ways to reduce waste, increase efficiency and operate sustainably. It’s important for libraries to embrace new technologies and innovations that can help them achieve these goals. Sustainability is becoming a core feature of how libraries are being managed and how new library buildings are being designed. Some ideas for more sustainable practices in libraries can be found here.
Libraries for health and wellbeing: The escalating health imperative is another megatrend that libraries need to be aware of. As healthcare costs continue to rise, libraries can play an important role in promoting preventative health and precision health to support better health outcomes for all Australians. Libraries can provide access to health resources, organize health programs and partner with local health organizations to promote health literacy. Research in Australia indicates the importance libraries play in community health and wellbeing. The Libraries for Health and Wellbeing Framework can be found here. In 2023 the research findings for The Health and Wellbeing Benefits of Public Libraries Across Victoria was also published and can be found here.
Diving into digital: is another megatrend that libraries need to pay attention to. The rapid adoption of digital and data technologies means that libraries need to adapt to new ways of operating, such as online retail, remote working, telehealth, virtual education, digital currencies, increased government access via only digital means and data-driven organizations. The next wave of digitization will bring new opportunities for libraries to embrace technology and improve their services. Libraries also play a pivotal role in digital literacy for those community members who increasingly get left behind in a digital world. Library staff and library management need to understand and recognise the need to invest time and funds in digital transformation for their staff and their organisations to benefit their communities.
Finally, unlocking the human dimension is a megatrend that is influencing future community, business, technology and policy decisions. As consumers demand increased transparency, libraries will need to find new ways to build trust and credibility with their communities. This may involve being more transparent about their operations, promoting ethical design and deployment of technologies and increasingly, partnering with local organizations to address social issues.
In conclusion, the CSIRO Our Future World report highlights the megatrends that are shaping our world and their impact on different industries, including the library industry. By understanding these trends and adapting to new ways of operating, libraries can continue to play a vital role in their communities and provide increased opportunities for their communities.
