Tuesday, December 1, 2015




Miller, R. T.  (September 2015). Getting phygital:  Embracing space where digital and physical
intertwine.  School Library Journal, 6.

Summary:  The word ‘phygital’ is a combination of two words:  digital and physical.  Phygital relates to the idea of balancing physical and digital collections in the libraries of the future.   Some have claimed that the libraries of the future will not include physical materials at all, only digital.  This editorial argues that while there definitely has been a digital shift, in the end, it is not about choosing one format over another.   It is about moving between the physical and digital.  “Responsive library service should take advantage of the strengths of each and the power of them combined.”

Evaluation:  I appreciated this short article, as I do feel many librarians feel like they have to get on the digital bandwagon at the expense of the physical in order to stay relevant.  This has bothered me – I, for one, enjoy reading both a hardcover novel and a downloaded book.  We are often floating back from one format to another and back again.  This article made me realize that it is a good thing to maintain balance between the physical and the digital.

1 comment:

  1. Interesting article. I have read many about the debate of the digital divide. Articles are being written stating that digital is taking the place of physical housing and therefore creating space in libraries for things other than collections. Now the space savers are for events and gatherings.

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