Public Libraries: context, trends and models

Abstract

Public libraries are not unaware of the constant change in their environment, they follow technological trends and apply models appropriate to the needs of their users. Based on this concept, this work aims to briefly contextualize the current era in the field of science, technology, society and economy, including the health crisis of COVID-19, as well as the trends that are applied in the library management and what models are being adopted in the library field. For this, a documentary investigation of various institutions and specialized authors on the subject in recent years was carried out. It is indicated that several libraries worldwide are diversifying their services and products with the support of technological tools and have proven to be flexible in difficult situations. It is concluded that the context influences the development of library programs. Likewise, trends and models are strongly related to technology, even more so when the health crisis has caused an acceleration of the virtualization of library management. In addition, the idea of ​​implementing spaces for learning, creation, participation, inspiration, social encounters, reliable information and citizen empowerment is pursued, both physically and virtual.