Riding the Waves or Caught in the Tide? Navigating the Evolving Information Environment

Abstract

The IFLA Trend Report is the result of twelve months’ consultation with experts and stakeholders from a range of disciplines to explore and discuss emerging trends in our new information environment. It is not a static report, but a dynamic and evolving set of online resources for library and information professionals to contribute to at trends.ifla.org. There’s a great depth of data already on the online platform for libraries to use, share and build on, including a bibliography and literature review of existing trend reports, expert papers and discussion summaries. The IFLA Trend Report identifies five high level trends in the global information environment, spanning access to information, education, privacy, civic engagement and technological transformation. While it sets out existing and likely future trends which characterise the new digital paradigm, it doesn’t forecast the future of libraries.