+44 (0) 1273 386849Future-proofing smaller libraries: 5 essential trends for 2025 and beyond
As January draws to a close, it’s a good moment to pause and look ahead. School libraries, community libraries, institutional libraries, and other specialist library collections will continue to adapt to changing technologies, evolving community needs, and ongoing financial constraints.
Here are five key trends that I believe will continue to define the coming year – and years to come.
1. Digital education and combating misinformation
Tech can pose a challenge for everyone. On a personal level, it can be a challenge to understand and evaluate everything that we read, watch, and listen to. However, how do our users – students, members, and readers – identify fake, AI-generated, or manipulated content?
Libraries – and librarians – have long been trusted sources of information, and in an age of rampant disinformation, our role is more important than ever. Libraries and knowledge hubs of all kinds are increasingly focusing on digital literacy programs to equip everyone with the skills to critically evaluate online content.
But it’s more than that. You are the first person that people turn to when they are trying to navigate new technology. Whether you’re helping students identify credible sources, supporting job seekers with online applications, or teaching people how to spot scams, libraries are safe spaces to learn.
In an era of rapid digital transformation, libraries will continue playing an essential role in helping people transition to new technologies at their own pace. Expanding these services ensures communities have the tools they need to make informed decisions in this challenging world.
2. Doing more with less: Maximising resources
It’s tough out there, even for the most cherished and essential library services. Budget constraints will remain a significant challenge for school, community and specialist libraries throughout 2025, making workforce resourcefulness a top priority. Here are some ideas for fundraising and making the most of your resources:
- Successful events will become essential to the ongoing financial health of the library service. Consider workshops, talks/lectures, and maker spaces – all of which generate funds and attract new visitors. These events are a powerful way to build community engagement and secure long-term support.
- Partnerships are also on the rise. Libraries are teaming up with local charities, businesses, schools, higher education institutions, community centres, and other organisations to share resources and co-host events, exhibitions and pop-ups.
Coffee is also profitable! One community library trustee I spoke with explained that their in-house café was instrumental in maintaining lighting and heating within the library space. Staffed by volunteers, patrons enjoy the cozy atmosphere with home-baked cakes and pastries.
Keep an eye out for grants, funding, and special awards—if you’re in the UK, check out this list of library funding opportunities from Arts Council England.
3. Accessibility and digital inclusion
This covers many key areas which will develop over the next 12 months. I want to highlight physical access, as well as the digital.
Ensuring physical accessibility is essential for creating an inclusive library space. Thoughtful design choices, such as low shelving, wide aisles, clear signage, and step-free street access, make it easier for everyone to navigate the space comfortably. Simple adjustments like offering quiet areas, adequate lighting, and ergonomic seating ensure that all visitors feel welcome and supported.
Beyond the physical environment, accessibility also means providing materials that reflect and meet the needs of the community. Before investing resources in specialist collections, consult with your members, end-users, students or other interested people. Do they need audiobooks, large print, or braille? Do you need a wide range of reading material in a particular language?
What about the digital content? Clear layouts, readable fonts, and seamless integration across platforms ensure everyone can quickly and easily find what they need—with minimal or no training. Follow guidelines like the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) for inclusive design.
Artificial intelligence tools, from chatbots to automated cataloguing, are making their way into library services, but inclusivity remains key. Libraries need to ensure AI adoption doesn’t alienate users who rely on human support or those with limited digital literacy. Providing AI literacy training alongside maintaining face-to-face support will help bridge the gap.
By blending physical and digital services, libraries are creating more adaptable and user-friendly environments. Free WiFi, good coffee (or tea!) public computers, and printing or digitisation services complement traditional resources, providing a seamless experience that caters to a wide range of needs. Maintaining this balance will be crucial in ensuring equitable access to information for all community members.
4. Privacy and data protection
With the growing reliance on digital services, protecting patron privacy is more important than ever. Think about this from two perspectives:
Within the library: Create clear privacy policies in plain English. Ensure compliance with regulations like the UK GDPR. Educate users about safe practices, such as avoiding password storage on public computers and not sharing personal details like PINs.
- Beyond the library: Turn privacy awareness into a community effort by partnering with local banks, law firms, or universities to offer digital safety workshops. Help all your patrons stay protected in an increasingly connected world.
As AI tools and cloud-based services become more common, libraries must prioritise ethical tech use and transparency. Make sure that staff and members know the implications of sharing information with “big tech”.
5. Strengthening community connections
The final trend I want to highlight here is the growing importance of community. As we become more digitally connected, the need for physical and social interaction has grown even more important. This is something that we learned to appreciate during the pandemic.
Library spaces are rediscovering their place in the community, offering essential social interaction in a safe, warm space. Whether it is through organised events – book clubs, homework clubs, reading corners, seasonal events, makerspaces, or a lecture series – or through spontaneous conversations over a good book, libraries are creating meaningful opportunities for people to connect and learn together.
What if your patrons are not looking for books? How do you bring them into the library and make them feel that the library is a place for them? The Library of Things enables people to borrow and lend a variety of items beyond books, including tools like lawnmowers and pressure washers. In a cost-of-living crisis, this is community building at its best.
By embracing these trends, smaller libraries can continue to be essential community assets in 2025 and beyond, providing valuable resources, fostering lifelong learning, and strengthening the social fabric of their communities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
1. Why is digital literacy important for libraries in 2025?
Digital literacy is vital as it helps library users critically evaluate online content, identify misinformation, and navigate new technologies. Libraries play a key role in equipping their communities with these essential skills.
2. How can smaller libraries maximise their resources amidst budget constraints?
Smaller libraries can maximise resources by hosting fundraising events, forming partnerships with local organisations, offering profitable services like cafes, and applying for grants and awards.
3. What accessibility improvements should libraries focus on?
Libraries should prioritise both physical and digital accessibility. This includes thoughtful design like step-free access and low shelving, as well as user-friendly digital platforms that support assistive technologies and diverse content formats like audiobooks and braille.
4. How can libraries ensure privacy and data protection for patrons?
Libraries can protect patron privacy by adhering to data regulations, educating users on safe digital practices, offering workshops on digital safety, and ensuring transparency and ethical use of AI and cloud-based tools.
5. How are libraries fostering stronger community connections?
Libraries strengthen community connections by hosting events such as book clubs, maker spaces, and seasonal activities. They also embrace initiatives like the Library of Things to support cost-saving community lending.
6. What role does AI play in the future of libraries?
AI tools, such as chatbots and automated cataloguing, can enhance library services, but inclusivity is key. Libraries must offer AI literacy training and maintain human support to ensure all patrons benefit equally.
7. How are libraries adapting to the needs of diverse communities?
Libraries adapt by offering tailored content such as multilingual materials, large print books, and audiobooks. Community consultations help ensure resources reflect the needs and interests of users.
8. What can libraries do to combat misinformation?
Libraries combat misinformation by offering digital literacy programs and serving as trusted sources of credible information. They teach users how to identify fake or manipulated content and navigate online resources responsibly.
9. How can libraries balance physical and digital services?
Balancing physical and digital services involves offering free WiFi, ergonomic seating, seamless digital platforms, and hybrid resources like public computers and printing alongside traditional library collections.
10. Why is the Library of Things becoming popular?
The Library of Things allows patrons to borrow items like tools or equipment, promoting sustainability and cost savings. It’s an innovative way to expand library services while fostering community building.
This FAQ section is tailored to address common questions that readers of your article may have, offering clear and actionable insights aligned with the trends discussed.
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