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User-centered libraries allow for the development of life skills. The importance of this capacity lies in the fact that one of the main focal points of education in the 21st century is 21st century skills. Organizations such as Unesco, EU, P21, AT, Annex, OECD, Nets, Naep, enGauge, etc. support this perspective and propose lists of skills needed to perform in today's society. However, what is the right place to acquire these skills? Although the first answer would be the school, this paper aims at explaining how libraries are the right places for the development of skills when they are able to deploy their capacity to be informal education centers. Being this a personal report, the paper shows different examples based on my personal experience, both related to the influence libraries had on the author and to the way the author, as a librarian, influences other users. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Does size matter? It depends. It does not matter when it comes to essential services. This is because both big and small libraries have the same aim, i.e., to offer a quality service to the user. The difference is mainly found in the resources available to one or the other. Size does matter in terms of offering spaces, specialized library staff and information and technological resources, etc. Small libraries stand out for having one person in charge of everything, who must be functional and versatile to be able to carry out all the work full time, being fundamental in this case the creation of collaborative networks. The reward for the users and the librarian is thus the closeness and familiarity in creating a community around the library and being a reference center for the town's cultural dynamization, which is also my case. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

What would happen if Libraries were able to bring reading and books to your home? Needless to say, we are talking about exceptional circumstances, but perhaps users would welcome this more than expected. Under the exceptional circumstances brought by the COVID-19 pandemic last year, it seemed that everything could come to an end, shut down and be put on hold. Once again, however, The Libraries reemerged as essential and special services to help our users. Among the many tasks accomplished, the Library of Valdepeñas (Jaén) brought the Library to your home. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current health situation has caused, among other social, relational, employment changes, etc., an accelerated and exponential increase in the use of technology. This is because in all areas, libraries included, technology has been key when it comes to connecting with users, adapting and creating new services. What have been the applications that have allowed us to remain on the scene? What technological routes have we travelled? We will draw a sketch of the ecosystem of applications; a very broad, diverse and changing ecosystem that makes undoubtedly a bet for the present. And for the future? [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the years, the history and evolution of Pozoblanco's Library has been based on several fundamental premises that have led to its growth: the attentive and constant listening to the people to meet their demands and the boundless participation offered to the community to meet their needs. To this effect, library professionals have had to adapt themselves and undertake the changes emerging from those needs by reinventing themselves, day by day, and by making their transformation visible to the public. A change in the library facilities made by graphic design professionals has allowed the display of a corporate image, suited to the current needs, which defines the identity of Pozoblanco's Library. A motto, "You and I make the library", and a distinct image ascribed to this concept throw a spotlight on the open, innovative and communicative features that characterize the library. Users are one of the library's great assets. The library raises its supporting pillars according to what society dictates. It maintains a continuous synergy with the community. The library staff has learned to work following common guidelines and to take care of the corporate brand with rules that regulate the image in a simple, unitary and coherent way to prevent its deterioration. Over the three years of experience with the brand, it has been proven that the strict care of its implementation has influenced significantly its success, thus improving the way in which the community approaches this service. Its personal seal has given the library character, seriousness, quality and professionalism. The local library is still constantly listening and attentive to new demands. However, there is no doubt that Pozoblanco's Library also dictates today many slogans and messages about its identity to its people through its corporate image. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]