Libraries are making diverse contributions to the development of many types of digital repositories, particularly those housing locally created digital content, including new digital objects or digitized versions of locally held works. In some instances, libraries are managing a repository and its related services entirely on their own, but often…

Presents issues regarding Internet literacy and the attitudes of Internet users versus nonusers. Describes how the Internet meets administrators' and librarians' needs, and highlights the Internet's effect on budgeting, staff productivity, and image. Notes the necessity for Internet training for library personnel to interact effectively with…

This paper offers a framework for thinking about the "library" in the year 2001 and predicts that, although the development of new technologies will impact libraries, it will not reduce them to the status of museum artifacts. Three questions are identified as critical areas for delegates to the 1990 New York State Governor's Conference…

This paper discusses the role of the intermediary in the information profession. Changes due to the advent of digital media are addressed, and ways that a positive role for the intermediary can be promoted are suggested. Several activities are listed to illustrate the expanding role of the intermediary, and actions in order to secure a future for…

Discusses the need for the library profession to learn not only how to identify information needs, but also to create new services and delivery patterns around them. The existing literature on information needs and information seeking behavior is briefly reviewed, and a research agenda for the 1990s is summarized. (51 references) (Author/CLB)

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…

Argues that providing end users with more information does not really address their problems and, in fact, does not even identify them. Topics discussed include the growth of information technology, reasons for the decline in the number of reference librarians, roles of libraries, and the importance of information intermediaries. (MES)

This paper provides some of the historical context of the efforts of the American Library Association (ALA) to define, extend, protect and advocate for equity of access, focusing on central tendencies rather than internal debate. The first section, "Toward the Concept of Access," discusses: how ALA became a public service organization; extension…

Examines issues and trends surrounding the changing library environment, and how changes have influenced the role of librarians. Analysis of the library environment in the past, present, and future included four elements: (1) role of the librarian; (2) library collections; (3) technologies; and (4) users' needs. (AEF)

Arguing that the foundation of a free civilization is an informed citizenry, this ERIC digest discusses the new challenges faced by the government and libraries in the wake of the Information Age. As electronic technology has accelerated the production and transmission of information, it has become more difficult for the average citizen to access,…

Discusses "technolust" (i.e., obsession with computer technology) in librarians. Topics addressed include library automation, the concept of the virtual library, and recruitment of readers as the primary role of the public library. It is predicted that books and libraries will continue to be a vital part of the community. (EA)

Discusses the significance for libraries of privacy concerns involved with geographic information system (GIS) technology. Argues that librarians need to be aware of federal and state efforts to address privacy issues and monitor developments in government information policy. (AEF)

Argues that, if libraries are to maintain their role in learning and research, they need to shift their focus from documents to content and from collection to individuals. Topics discussed include library concerns in 1939, services made possible by technology, and the necessity to implement information management strategies on campus. (22…

Describes a study that examined problems encountered by geoscientists in retrieving and processing information. The results reported include judged importance of information sources, modes of information seeking, interest in end-user searching, opinions of foreign language literature, variations in information seeking patterns, and constraints set…

Presents a library automation vendor's perspective on networking based on activities at Ameritech Information Systems. Topics discussed include the information explosion; information technology; user expectations and needs; remote access; the library of the future; systems integration; ownership versus access; copyright laws; and the role of the…