Over the past 20 years, scholars across many fields have engaged in speculative thinking about the future of libraries with many questions about the future of scholarship, research, the preservation of cultural heritage, and the provision of information services to communities, to name a few.  iSchool faculty have a breadth and depth of expertise that positions the School uniquely and strategically to explore the purpose, shape and function of libraries and the role of librarians in future information environments worldwide.  Our strong Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) program takes advantage of the many research interests and expertise within the iSchool and educates leaders who will continue to shape our future.  

Our work cuts across technology, design, digital youth, Native North American Indigenous Knowledge, data resources and services, libraries, data science, policy and ethics, social media, disaster recovery, community engagement, and information management.  Our intention with a strategic focus on “The Future of Libraries” is to lead and collaborate with our peers in the academy and the profession, and to direct and influence the practice of librarianship and the role that libraries must play in the lives of people and communities in the 21st century.  

Research

iSchool groups focusing on the Future of Libraries include:

Digital Youth

Faculty: Katie Davis, Director; Negin Dahya; Karen Fisher; Amy Ko; Jason Yip
Digital Youth explores the interactions of young people with digital information and technology. Beginning with young children learning literacy skills through young adults and their information seeking behavior, faculty and students at the University of Washington Information School conduct research to understand how contemporary youth consume and create information through both traditional and 21st Century technologies. Visit website.

Technology & Social Change Group

Chris Coward, Director
The Technology & Social Change Group (TASCHA) at the University of Washington Information School explores the design, use, and effects of information and communication technologies in communities facing social and economic challenges. With experience in over 50 countries, TASCHA brings together a multidisciplinary network of researchers, practitioners, and policy experts to advance knowledge, create public resources, and improve policy and program design. Our purpose? To spark innovation and opportunities for those who need it most. Visit website.