A future full of technology: Approximations to imaginable changes in the field of library science within one decade

Abstract

This paper explores imaginary meanings in the field of library science concerning information and communication technologies. In the study, were used in depth interviews with a group of graduated librarians of the National University of La Plata (UNLP, Argentina), who now hold administrative positions in university and research libraries. Respondents were asked about an hypothetic future scene ten years later and consulted about the following aspects: possible changes in work load, working routines, probable changes in the composition of the documentary fund, main characteristics of users, predominant services and products of information, required specific knowledge. The analysis retrieves key views representative of the diversity of opinions. In general terms, it is concluded that the interviewed librarians have a similar view about the gradual increase of the use of technology, but their opinions diverge concerning the transformations that may occur in libraries because of this phenomenon