Libraries have long stood as society’s democratic temples of knowledge. Throughout time they have helped enlighten generations with their impassioned custodians, their meticulously compiled card catalogues, and their lovingly curated shelves and stacks of books begging to be devoured. Yet we now live in a time when all the world’s information is seemingly a click away—often on a small device in our pocket. This ubiquity of information raises the existential question—what purpose are libraries to serve in this new age? Susan Hildreth, former director of the Institute of Museum and Library Services and Professor of Practice at University of Washington Information School, Miguel Figueroa, Director of the Center for the Future of Libraries at the American Library Association, and Susan Parker, UCLA Deputy Librarian, visit Zócalo to explore how libraries can recast their mission and purpose in a hyper-connected world.

 
This program is supported by the City of West Hollywood through WeHo Arts on the occasion of the 5th anniversary of the opening of the West Hollywood Library. WeHo Arts—the City’s Arts Division and Arts and Cultural Affairs Commission—supports an expansive array of programming. For more information, visit www.weho.org/arts.

 
*Photo courtesy of Cheri/Flickr.