Те или иные трансформации затрагивают учреждения культуры во всём мире. Так, например, сокращающееся бюджетирование зарубежных библиотек способствует усиленному поиску собственной роли, ориентированному, в первую очередь, на работу с локальными сообществами. Такое положение заставляет искать новые и актуализировать старые практики и услуги, открыто демонстрируя принципы своей работы как центра сообществ.
«As librarians, we know the value of our community services, and our patrons appreciate their importance as well. But in an increasingly digital world, we see the role of libraries as community and cultural centers at times undervalued, and occasionally under fire. When shrinking municipal budgets combine with the nonstop technological revolution, public library services that focus on building community face-to-face, inspiring and educating patrons about art, literature, and music, and helping patrons engage in civil discourse can seem quaint. But it is precisely those shrinking budgets and the onslaught of technologically mediated life that make public libraries’ cultural and community offerings more important than ever».
— «Community Centered: 23 Reasons Why Your Library Is the Most Important Place in Town» by Julie Biando Edwards, Melissa S. Rauseo, & Kelley Rae Unger