On May 13, 2025, the Chinese American Librarians Association (CALA) Asia-Pacific Chapter held its first webinar of the year. The event featured Dr. Sandra Hirsh, Associate Dean at San José State University’s (SJSU) College of Information, Data and Society, who presented insights from her visionary book, Library 2035: Imagining the Next Generation of Libraries and the Transformative Changes Ahead. The session, held via Zoom, explored the evolving role of libraries in the digital age and emphasized the importance of adaptability, community engagement, and equitable access to information.
Key Themes from the Presentation:
Dr. Hirsh’s presentation delved into the forces reshaping libraries, including advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), immersive technologies, and shifting societal needs. She highlighted that libraries must remain deeply connected to their communities while fostering a culture of continuous learning and innovation. Key themes from her book, Library 2035, were organized across six sections:
- Landscape: Libraries must navigate technological advancements, environmental considerations, economic/political challenges, privacy concerns, and the power of storytelling.
- Community: Libraries serve as centers for social connection and civic engagement, with programs tailored to community needs and co-created with community input.
- Equity & Inclusion: Removing barriers to access, embracing technology with equity in mind, and centering marginalized voices are critical for libraries.
- Organizations: Reimagined physical/digital spaces, cross-sector partnerships, and mindful AI integration are transforming library roles.
- Library Workers: Investment in professional development, staff wellness, advocacy, and leadership development is essential for the future.
- Vision: Strategic foresight and planning, resilience, and adaptability will enable libraries to design future-ready services and spaces.
Call to Action for the Library Community:
Dr. Hirsh stressed the importance of future-thinking and advocacy, urging librarians to shape the future in line with their values and mission. She noted that libraries must embrace their role as co-creators of transformation through innovation and intentional leadership.
About Library 2035:
Library 2035 features contributions from 29 thought leaders across 25 chapters, complemented by 23 webcast interviews. The book is available for purchase with a 30% discount using code LIB2035 at Rowman & Littlefield or on Amazon. The accompanying webcasts are freely accessible on YouTube.
Quote from Dr. Hirsh:
“The Library of 2035 will face storms, threats, and crises. However, libraries and librarians committed to innovation, staying ahead of emerging technologies, and strongly advocating their value will stand strong as essential community resources for learning, communicating, playing, and working.”
For more information, please access the webinar recording.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.