The role of libraries hasn't changed despite digital reading possibilities. Libraries are still a social space, community information hub, and place of mental restoration for those in crisis or who can't afford other options. If schools or education fail someone, libraries remain a door to knowledge and opportunity.

1. The role of libraries in a digital world
David McNeill
Digital Director, SCVO
@david_mcneill

2. Are libraries still relevant?

3. Are libraries still relevant?

4. Are libraries still relevant?

5. Are libraries still relevant?
“Despite digital reading possibilities, the role of libraries hasn’t
changed.They’re a social space, a community information space, a
breath of fresh air for young mums and pensioners, an access to
peace and mental restoration for those in crisis. If you can’t afford
books, digital or otherwise, if your school is failing or education
never quite made it a library is a door to everywhere.”
A.L. Kennedy

6. Audience Participation
Go to www.menti.com
Enter code 49 61 17

7. Our digital strategy
PARTICIPATION
Tackle inequality by
equipping individuals with
basic digital skills
EVOLUTION
Maximise the impact of the
third sector by encouraging
digital transformation and
evolution
INNOVATION
Support digital innovation
in the third sector to
extend the reach and
impact of organisations
through the use of tech for
good

8. "There is no reason anyone
would want a computer in
their home."
Ken Olson, president, chairman and founder of
Digital Equipment Corp., 1977
In 1977

9. A relaxing evening in 2018

10. What charity service will most people in this room use
weekly, or perhaps daily?
How has this affected charities?
It’s mostly run by volunteers.
It disrupted a 250 year old industry and made a Microsoft
product irrelevant.

13. It’s not the strongest of
the species that
survive, nor the most
intelligent, but the one
most responsive to
change
- Charles Darwin

14. The failure to adapt…

15. Challenging times for our towns

16. Giving people what they want

17. A challenge for the public & third sector
You can more easily measure if
you’re giving people what they
want in the private sector
In the public and third sector,
the ‘customer’ isn’t usually the
one paying for the service

18. Retail theatre: creating experiences

19. From ownership to access & subscriptions
Gyms
Newspapers
Music
Films
Books
Software
Travel
Fashion
Groceries

20. Rapid change in the music industry…

21. What about books?
eBooks are around 25% of the market
“We are seeing that books are a
respite, particularly for young people
who are so busy digitally”
“Readers take a pleasure in a physical
book that does not translate well on to
digital,”

22. Implications for libraries?

23. What is the library experience?

24. Who are the real competitors?
The internet and tech
companies…
or

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