Facebook, Meta, the metaverse and libraries

Abstract

Purpose: By understanding these trends, information professionals can better position themselves to help their patrons as the technology develops, as well as position their organizations for success in the world the metaverse will create. Design/methodology/approach: This paper defines core concepts of the metaverse, including defining what it is, explaining the narratives surrounding it and exploring its implications for intellectual property and libraries. Findings: The development of the metaverse is poised to change the parameters by which libraries work, with implications for information accessibility as well as possible technological barriers. The same economies of scale and disconnection that could potentially threaten libraries could also be an opportunity to develop new partnerships and frameworks for cooperation, if information professionals choose to help shape the metaverse instead of only react to it. Originality/value: Understanding the range of possibilities for how the metaverse might develop helps to navigate the role libraries might play as it emerges.