BiblioTech as the Re-Imagined Public Library: Where Will it Find You?

Abstract

In 2013, Bexar County launched BiblioTech, the first all digital public library in the United States. BiblioTech capitalizes on technology to reach beyond the library walls and integrate the public library in facets of everyday life previously unavailable through paper and print. At its core, BiblioTech changes the traditional understanding of how libraries operate. BiblioTech’s digital model prompts a paradigm shift and challenges the library to seek out new ways to serve otherwise disengaged patron populations.

This paper will, first, discuss the launch of BiblioTech; its impetus, mission, timeline, and challenges. The evolution of BiblioTech over three years of operation will be presented along with various community and intergovernmental partnerships that the library has forged in fulfilment of its mission. Finally, future opportunities and plans for development are also explored.