What users want from a library:

This brings me back to my original point about librarians and libraries. My most pressing need is to gain access to more of the academic literature with fewer hurdles. Access from my computer. Anywhere. With fewer clicks through proxy servers and specialized journal links.

I guess I don't really have any use for librarians per se. Except in so far as they get me closer to these unfettered access goals.

From another user:

I see libraries going in three different directions.

One really important function (just now at least) is managing the byzantine world of publishers and subscriptions. Making sure we actually have access to what we want, hopefully without breaking the budget of the University.

Another role is basically IT infrastructure and support. I would like to see this become more explicitly a function of the library and less it's own department. 95+% of IT is about making sure people have access to the information resources they need... and I think the libraries would probably do a better job of it since it is baked into "what they do" (unlike many IT departments).

It is also notable that libraries already deal with "user generated" data, not just access to externally published stuff.

Finally, I see librarians becoming more like consultants (such as stats consultants).