I came across a post on The Shifted Librarian blog about visiting the most modern library in the world, DOK in Delft, Holland. Here's a link to the post: http://theshiftedlibrarian.com/archives/2008/03/19/visiting-the-most-modern-library-in-the-world.html You'll also find a link to The Shifted Librarian's set of pictures on Flickr. These are a must if you want to see what the place looks like. Way cool.
I checked out the library's website and found that they are on a mission to become the most modern library in the world. Certainly a different mission than most libraries pursue. I think what I'm the most inspired by when I read about this library is the fact that libraries can be the cool place to be in town without losing their soul. In fact, it looks like they actually found their soul.
If the big box book retailers can borrow from libraries as the place to go to read, study, or socialize, why can't we borrow back from retail what works for them? I know, I know, money is a huge factor. And time, and... and... and... There's always something we need to wait for. Including the fact that if we wait too long, we won't need to worry about being the most modern library in the world. We'll be gone.
Be inspired.
