Oddly enough, it turns out that the digital era is actually sparking renewed interest in the library as a place. The need that can't be met by a search engine or a Web site boils down to a single word — community.

People don't only want access to information, they want to share information. They want to exchange ideas, collaborate, and participate in the experience of learning. That's why the library of the future will be a place that fosters a community approach to research — harnessing all forms of media, physical and digital.

Libraries Will Look Different, Inside and Outside
The library of the future will look and feel quite different from the traditional library, both inside and out, according to Kevin Roebuck, Sun's market development manager for Libraries and e-Learning. "Around the world, there is strong recognition of the changing role and new requirements for the library," he said. "There has been a sharp movement away from the stodgy, institutional design that was once typical of libraries to a more striking, visually compelling style. The Bibliotheca Alexandria in Egypt is a great example of the type of building design we'll see, commemorating tradition while accelerating the transition to the modern era.

"Sun's corporate library (SunLibrary) serves as a model for what the library of the future will look like on the inside — fewer books, more space for people and teams, lots of desktop terminals to assist in finding information and learning, lots of plasma screens to facilitate collaborative activities like multi-player games, video viewing, shared whiteboards, and so on."

SunLibrary Is Showcase for New Technology
In fact, SunLibrary provides a showcase not only for the new model of collaborative learning but also for the technology that makes it possible.

• Sun Ray "thin-client" desktops provide instant access to the Web, Solaris Operating System software, Java technology-based software and multimedia as well as legacy applications. The "plug-and-work" Sun Ray appliances require no client administration or upgrades because the user's identity, files, and applications are all stored centrally on a powerful network of Sun servers, not on an individual desktop computer. Users get the unique capability of "hot desking" — the ability to instantly access their computing session from any appliance — exactly where they left off.
• Numerous library application packages run on Sun's Solaris Operating System, giving library users access to the innovations of commercial software vendors and Open Source software — all from their Sun Ray appliances. For example, users have access to Grokker, which provides a better, more visual way to retrieve and explore information. "Grokker is one of the most impressive products I have seen in an awfully long time," said Sun's CEO Jonathan Schwartz.
• Sun Java System Identity Manager provides the complete user provisioning and identity data synchronization solution. It manages identity profiles and permissions throughout their entire identity life cycle.
• Sun StorageTek SAM software automates managing data and retrieval across the storage hierarchy via user-defined policies that help manage information assets based on business value.

In addition, SunLibrary has strong partnerships with many of the leading independent software vendors specializing in library software, including (among others) SirsiDynix, Endeavor Information Systems, Ex Libris, Innovative Interfaces, and VTLS Inc.

As increasing numbers of libraries make the decision to "go digital," these institutions must be willing to redefine themselves, not only as repositories and preservers of information but also as direct providers of digital content to their patrons. Previously, libraries were solely focused on achieving efficiencies in amassing materials and streamlining distribution efforts. Now, the concept of enhanced dissemination of all institutional materials, both physical and digital, must become commonplace for libraries to evolve.

Questions or comments? Please email education_news@sun.com