Dennis Pierce

Today’s consumers expect speed and convenience. Self-service checkout stations, touch-screen kiosks, and mobile point-of-sale solutions empower people to take control of their shopping, dining, and entertainment experience. The same transformation is happening in public libraries. Here are some of the latest tech tools that are improving the library experience for patrons and staff.

According to a May 2025 survey, just under half of all responding adults said they think they see false or misleading information online every day. Amid the growing ecosystem of fake news and misinformation spreading online, library reference tools provide carefully vetted information that is trustworthy and reliable.

With the threats facing our democracy, librarians are on the front lines in the battle for truth, knowledge, justice, and equity in their communities. Being a librarian or information professional has never been harder—and universities that offer Master’s in Library and Information Science degree programs are helping students meet this challenge.

Keeping up with all the changes in today’s fast-paced lifestyle can be challenging, and it’s taking a toll on our mental and physical health. Readers are looking for advice on how to navigate the complexities of modern life, and publishers are responding with lifestyle content that fills this critical need.

University presses publish valuable, peer-reviewed scholarly work and thought-provoking content that advances our understanding of the world. In today’s “post-truth” media environment, where reliable, well-researched sources exist alongside pseudoscience and political screeds, this type of authoritative information is more valuable than ever.

Artificial intelligence and smart automation are streamlining workflows and transforming key processes across a wide range of industries. Even libraries are now benefitting from the rapid advancements in automation and AI.

Modern libraries aren’t just places for reading and research. They’re vibrant and active community centers where the people and programming play just as critical a role as the collections.

Social media influencers are helping propel demand for lifestyle-related content. Publishers are leveraging the built-in following that content creators bring with them from TikTok, Instagram, and other social media channels to drive sales by giving them significant book deals to share their advice on living, loving, crafting, cooking, and decorating.

Military history plays a critical role in helping us understand and learn from past geopolitical conflicts. It helps us comprehend who we are as a nation and the events that have shaped our identity. For these reasons and more, books on military history continue to be quite popular among readers.