On the question of forecasting the development of modern libraries as outposts of the library system of the future

The initial results of intuitive expert forecasting libraries development on their way to becoming libraries of the future are considered in the paper. We do not focus on mathematical theory. The intuitive methods, logical perceptions, data from questionnaires and expert evaluations are primarily used. The term “forecast” is introduced as scholarly grounded description of possible stages of a system of a process in the future and time needed to reach those stages. The forecasted evaluations of basic components of the libraries of the future which will help in forming a new vision of them are described in the paper. Those are: library collections, combination of electronic and traditional media; readers and their categories, service modes, primarily online (distant) service; role of a library as “third place” in contemporary realities. Further study in this segment will help to forecast changes and requirements of contemporary society in more detail, as well as to suggest recommendations in optimizing library work and identifying better user experience. This paper is the first in the row of planned cycle of papers with consideration of data from questionnaires and expert evaluations by professionals in library and information sphere.