In our cages with golden bars

Purpose - This paper aims to postulates on the current limitations of digital libraries, and what digital libraries might be if librarians and digital library developers thought about digital libraries differently.Design methodology approach - The paper is in the form of an experiential commentary.Findings - The paper finds that libraries should be more accepting of change and embrace the digital world.Originality value - This paper seeks to move the thinking about the future of digital libraries beyond its current scope. It should be of interest to digital library developers, librarians, and information scientists.