Trend Report

Launched in 2013, the series brings together the perspectives of thought leaders from inside and outside of the library field. They offer insights into the changes we are currently seeing, or may well see soon, that affect the world in which we operate.

They explore not just changes within libraries themselves, but also trends in the wider information and knowledge environment, recognising that libraries are part of a bigger ecosystem.

Importantly, the trends are presented not just to inform, but also to activate. The report comes from a belief that libraries are able to be actors in their own future, and indeed need to be in the interests of the communities they serve. Integrating these trends into our planning will mean we are better able to achieve this.

The latest edition of the Trend Report, released at the IFLA Information Futures Summit in Brisbane, Australia, takes this work to a new level. In addition to highlighting trends, it also explores what happens when these trends interact through a series of scenarios.

In line with the wider goal of the series, the latest edition is also not just to be read, but to be used. To help with this, the Report includes a set of ‘ways to play’ – ideas for how individuals, groups and associations can draw on the trends and scenarios to advance their own thinking.

Look out for further tools and information from the new Trend Report later in 2024.

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