As the need for digital content increases almost daily, preserving this content for university libraries, especially in the least developed and developing nations, becomes a challenge, resulting in the loss of this data. Even though most of these libraries are automated and adopt one digital preservation strategy or the other, library users need…

Welcome to the new "Journal of Electronic Resources Librarianship" column entitled "ERM Ideas and Innovations," which will appear in each issue of JERL for the next 2 years, and possibly more, beginning with this issue. The overall focus of each column will be to introduce and expand ideas, discuss innovations, and ultimately encourage and foster…

The central argument of the article is that while the building, the collection and the staff were inseparably linked, in a digital environment these facets of the library are diverging. This divergence clouds the process of envisioning a future for the library, but, if properly defined, it is a source of clarity, which sheds light on strategic…

Introduces the concept of the virtual library and explores how the increasing reliance on computers and digital information has affected library users and staff. Discusses users' expectations, democratization of access, human issues, organizational change, technostress, ergonomics, assessment, and strategies for success and survival. Contains 35…

This book describes the issues that multitype library networks need to know in order to succeed in the new decade, including electronic information, restructuring, distance education, buying clubs and cooperatives, skilled workers, diversifying funding, collaboration, one-stop shopping, accountability, and extraordinary service. The book contains…

Libraries are in a process of fundamental change brought about by radical changes in technology. This paper charts the changes that have taken place over the years and makes some assumptions as to how the future will look. Barriers to increased use of technology are analyzed and detailed, including: lack of uniformity in search systems; the…

Discusses the emergence of electronic text and examines the interrelationships between the evolving electronic environment and the library's collection, organizational structure, personnel, budget, and external relationships. A figure showing the convergence of complex science, management, and the electronic word is appended. (AEF)

This paper discusses the reorganization of libraries in order to adopt new techniques and to incorporate the electronic library, focusing on the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology. The first section addresses manpower and the electronic library, including processing electronic journals, justification for the traditional library organization…

This paper discusses changes at the University of Science and Technology Library (Ghana). The first section provides historical background and summarizes current services, including the collection, the facility, the university's network of faculty/school/institute/center libraries, main library departments, staff, and automation. The next section…

Describes the functions of the Information Technology Section at Cornell University's (New York) Mann Library: (1) maintains and supports the library computer system; (2) develops software; (3) trains staff; (4) enables staff to make technical suggestions; (5) communicates library requirements to campus technical support unit; and (6) advises…

Six articles cover topics related to the impact of the Internet on reference services, including Internet's effect on communication between reference librarians; integrating the use of electronic resources with traditional reference duties; reference services and the virtual library; offering remote services; Internet instruction; and Internet…

Presents an administrative overview on planning needed to implement information technology-based reference and instructional services in academic libraries. Discusses staffing; troubleshooting; fund raising and budget development; consortia and digital resources; and the need for continuing education. (LRW)

Describes the development of an electronic text center in the Cornell University (New York) library. Discusses effects of spanning traditionally separate areas of the library, such as collection development, reference and instruction, information technology and support, and stack maintenance; staff skills needed; and the importance of…

Discusses the development of electronic libraries at Cornell University's (New York) Mann Library and elsewhere and presents an overview of changes in services and staff responsibilities needed to address user needs. Sidebar articles discuss Internet access to government information; changing staff roles; geographic information systems; the Mann…