Guest speaker: Future of Norfolk library an open book

NORFOLK

Libraries of the future need to stop thinking of their patrons not only as consumers of information but also as producers, a library futurist told city leaders and residents Wednesday.

Besides offering information, libraries should consider providing podcast, production, video and art studios, said Thomas Frey, executive director of the Colorado-based DaVinci Institute think tank.

Music rooms, exercise equipment, remote office space and a planetarium are other possible elements of a library.

"My job is to stretch people's imaginations," Frey said. "The community has to decide the target market."

The city brought Frey to Norfolk to explore the future role of the library now that plans are under way for building a new $50-million main library downtown.

Mayor Paul Fraim said design work will begin in mid-2009 and the library should open in 2012.

The library will be built a decade sooner than expected with the help of Frank Batten Sr., the retired chairman of Landmark Communications Inc., now Landmark Media Enterprises LLC, which publishes The Virginian-Pilot. Batten donated $20 million and challenged the city to build a technologically advanced library that makes a statement about the future of libraries.

"We need to think out of the box," Norfolk library director Norman Maas said. "The important thing is to build in flexibility because technology changes so quickly."

Frey addressed about 150 residents Wednesday night and about 50 city and community leaders at a lunch meeting.

He said libraries should be thought of as a place instead of a service.

"We need to create the ultimate information experience in libraries," he said. He used Starbucks as an example of a business that sells not only coffee but an experience.

"The best value of libraries is as a gathering place," he said.

Frey said advances in technology are changing the way information is delivered. He said "search command centers," manned by librarians who can help patrons navigate electronic data, will be critical.

Already, computer databases have replaced written materials. Now, some libraries are experimenting with downloading books to wireless reading devices.

Frey envisions reading will become less passive and expand into live on line book chats with authors, experts and other readers.

"Suddenly reading a book becomes a conversation," he said.

In small groups after Frey's presentation, residents discussed what they wanted in the new main library.

Debbie Messina, (757) 446-2588, debbie.messina@pilotonline.com