Libraries have changed their features since the internet. How do we define the modern library? A definition that appeared repeatedly from several sources refer to "The libraries of the 21st century (provide) a welcoming common space that encourages exploration, creation, and collaboration between students, teachers, and a broader community. They bring together the best of the physical and digital to create learning hubs." (https://www.edutopia.org/ blog/21st-century-libraries-learning-commons-beth-holland) Sources on space design of the modern library include: (https://altamira.edu.co/), "School Libraries: The Heart of the 21st Century "(https://www.education.act.gov.au › assets › pdf_file), "NCCA Library Learning Commons" (https://newton.instructure. com › courses), and "21st Century Libraries: Changing from the Ground Up" (https://www.libraryjournal.com › story › tech nology)
Early experiences. My first experience with the internet in libraries was during studies at Jochi Daigaku (Sophia University) in the late sixties. Besides its main campus at Yotsuya in the heart of Tokyo, I remember having sessions in Ichigaya, one of its four campuses. My first exposure to computers was in the Ichigaya library. These made me wonder at the new style of typewriters operating differently from typewriters in the Philippines. Later, I learned they were computers. Back at my home university while writing my dissertation in the late '70s, we had in the research office a heavy metal platform, writing table-size, which could use statistical tools. I loved the creaking sound as I fed my research data, oblivious that it was a computer. During studies in the UK, (middle '80s), my batchmates and I would go to one of several libraries for our references, leaving them with the lady at the counter, who, shortly after, would give us a list of the books we chose. We collect the books at our dormitory's counter. I never bothered inquiring how they were brought there. Less these novel experiences distract me, I tried to muster focusing more attention to my studies. In both Surrey U and the University of London Institute of Education libraries, there was no usual sign of keeping silent posted on the wall as we returned home. A turn from the collections leads to several library rooms where we students worked together on our essays. Once, our professor was with our team for a special session. I never tried using the computers. One in our batch (likely from a country more advanced than ours) offered to put my essay in form using the computers. A comfortable place for coffee/snacks was available after a turn from the room where we had group learning. Working on this writeup makes me realize that library space design in those years was precursor to what we are seeing and expecting in today's libraries.
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