Organizzare quale conoscenza? Una riflessione sul ruolo delle biblioteche nel XXI secolo

To propose a reflection on the situation of information mediation in knowledge organisation tools, with a focus on users and the marginality of knowledge organisation tools adopted by libraries, compared to search engines. Methodology: literature analysis and use of case studies, both in library science and sociology fields. Results: the available tools seem to be unable to provide effective answers to users' information needs. In fact, they are highly organised tools, but the exponential growth of available data and the monopoly of online information research by private companies creates a frustrating information short-circuit for users. Conclusions: A reflection is proposed related to a better use of the available technologies, a greater flexibility and inter-operability of the tools, an increase in surveys on users’ interaction and their actual information needs, a greater focus on the active participation of the target communities as well as an interdisciplinary openness.