The future of Libraries and digitisation

As technology moves forward at a faster and a mouse click pace, so to does the need for a Library or Libraries to catch up. The digital library is fast becoming something of a reality and the cases for digitalisation of material is one that needs careful and strong support. Rather than the demand on certain books or materials reaching a huge demand and often an under-supply in terms of availability there seems to be many advantages for a digital library. I will outline these below 1. Books are more accessible on a demand and world wide scale. 2. Materials are better stored and preserved drastically cutting down on issues with shelf life. 3. A person from anyone in the world can have access to a book or information source without leaving their homes or for a Library item being lost or damaged in transit. I think there are many more reasons to the advantage of digitalisation and as you probably can imagine such an approach would seriously impact on the print and publishing media. Now for adults with Autism. The process of digitalisation is one that will be an ongoing scenario and encoding, preserving, storing and providing availability of information is something that is going to need careful scrutiny and meticulous dedication. One of the benefits of adults on the Autistic Spectrum is their attention to detail and mind set for errors. Many adults including myself have a background in higher education but we are simply unable to put this to good use. For example an adult with a background in Politics, Psychology, Physics etc could harness what they have learned to the digital library as information relating to their particular field of interest can be touched upon in the encoding of information, storage of data and in it's accessibility to the public. What would be required is for a training of adults with Autism to know the procedures of the job at hand and once trained they would ensure and continue to be involved in digitizing media and library information for high quality output. I believe that with proper training and a conducive work environment with adults having little supervision and distractions that such work could be of the highest quality and best productive outcome. Aspies can tolerate repetitive work so long as it is challenging and furthermore that it focuses firmly on the utilization of their skills and attributes. As things evolve, I could and other adults who are interested would play an active role in ensuring that a work environment is AS friendly and conducive. As this is just an idea, it can't really be thoroughly explained in this post but adults with Autism could suggest and advise on suitable working conditions to encourage maximum result. Perhaps something to think about for the future of libraries as the age of digitisation fast approaches? How a work environment could be conducive for adults on the Autistic Spectrum? Do away firstly with Neurotypical and conventional employment structure. Have adults with high functioning Autism be advisors within a work environment and they could liase with company to work with other adults with Autism in a conducive work environment. Adults work on a performance based day where they would be paid for the length of time they are able to work. There are other suggestions and ideas which would need a round table discussion but with a supportive work environment, productivity and self esteem would greatly increase as well as a a productive outcome as a result. Some ideas worth consideration 1. Productivity hours where a person's performance can be utilised and understood 2. Reducing exposure to sensory issue problems such as fluro lights, sounds of air conditioners, annoying obstacles and having to work in teams and sensory issue problems 3. Easy accessibility to company so that it can be reached by train, bus and have adequate car parking etc. 4. Working hours staggered to avoid issues with traffic and congestion 5. Adults work on their own and know what is expected of them without the need of supervisors or managers. 6. Have time out rooms or allowance of space without pay so adults who may need a bit of time out are able to do so to help with performance. 7. Comfortable work clothing or uniform if required. 8. Encouragement of incentive and good performance with teaching new skill or duty. 9. Friendly and supportive contacts should there be issues with anxiety or personality etc 10. Marketing of company so that public obtain a positive outlook on Autism and the good work being carried. out Above are only some suggestions which of course need more consideration.