Gymnastik- och idrottshögskolan, GIH

Medical libraries in Sweden are digitised to a large extent, technically advanced and developing rapidly. This paper investigates technological trends among Swedish medical libraries in the near and distant future and their application within different areas of library activities. The authors also present a roadmap to increase technological developments within medical libraries in Sweden. Current technological trends include digital collaboration tools, mobile technologies and visualisation. Artificial intelligence, big data and smart technologies are upcoming trends. Technologies are applied within all areas of library activities, but preconditions for academic and hospital libraries differ. To remain a relevant provider of information services, libraries must be able to monitor, test and adopt new technologies.

One of the many lessons learned from the Covid-19 pandemic is the importance of connecting and collaborating with students and staff in and outside the library. Because of Covid, the interaction was kept at a minimum and limited to the occasional zoom-based lectures or individual instructions. After reopening our library, we experienced a dramatic drop in library visits and library use. In this reflective text, we discuss the challenges we faced as we returned to a new normal.