Page 42 - Journal of Library Science in China, Vol.45, 2019

KE Ping & ZOU Jinhui / Library transformation in the post-knowledge service era 041

library transformation. Based on the above, this paper takes library transformation as a system,
from its background (the external) to elements analysis (the internal), then puts forward the
concept, key elements and path of library transformation.

1 Definition of the background: Proposal of post-knowledge service era

The library transformation is neither a groundless nor an isolated topic, but a major proposition
about the future development of the global librarianship and the theoretical reconstruction of
the library science. However, the existing theoretical and practical exploration does not deal
with the library transformation from a systematic perspective. As a result, although the library
transformation has taken priority, received extensive attention and got research results from
multiple perspectives, a more comprehensive and systematic understanding has not been obtained.
Based on the systematic perspective, the background of the era beyond the system is undoubtedly
of great significance to the transformation. In current understanding, the background of library
transformation is attributed to the background of social development—the digital age.
The ALA Libraries Transforming Communities emphasizes the importance of transformation
to libraries, and proposes that the initiative innovation is the core of library transformation. Its
transformation project aims to enhance the key role of libraries in the digital age, strengthen the
role of libraries as core community leaders and change promoters, and advance public awareness
of library services, values and impacts (Flinner, Roberts, & Norlander, 2018). According to The
State of America’s Libraries 2016, libraries will continue to face an uncertain economy, and change
the perception that “libraries are just quiet places to do research, find a book, and read” to “libraries
are centers of their communities: places to learn, create, and share, with the help of library staff
and the resources they provide” (ALA, 2016). On July 7, 2017, ALA (2017) announced that the
library transformation movement would be extended for 3 years to attract social recognition and
support for library transformation in the Internet era.
IFLA (2018d) President Glòria Pérez-Salmerón and IFLA (2018e) Secretary General Gerald
Leitner repeatedly mentioned the theme of transformation when addressing the opening ceremony
of the 84th IFLA conference. The Global Vision Report (IFLA, 2018b) was released on the
conference, which was created by more than 190 countries and 21,772 online votes. The report
proposed ten opportunities for libraries. For examples, we must update our traditional roles in the
digital age; we need to understand community needs better and design services for impact; we must
keep up with ongoing technological changes; we need to challenge current structures and behaviors,
etc. The IFLA Trend Report (IFLA, 2013a) summarized five major trends, which also emphasized
that libraries must respond to the rapid advancement of the information age. In 2018, IFLA
conference released the 2018 updated edition of the IFLA Trend Report (IFLA, 2018c), emphasizing
once again that the global vision is not to predict the future, but to prepare for the reality of now.
The digital era that influences library transformation keeps developing. “The third wave” reveals the