There is opportunity for service and profit to imaginative libraries organizing to provide new forms of knowledge. Librarians as entrepreneurs must learn venture management and finance. Available assistance includes growing entrepreneural understanding in large institutions; family and friends; private wealth-seeking investment; new business…

This scenario of a possible library of the future includes reviews of technology and equipment either currently or soon to be available to libraries for information input, storage, processing, output, and transmission; descriptions of several existing forward-looking library and information systems; and a discussion of the impact of futuristic…

Discussion of developments in information storage technology likely to have significant impact upon library utilization focuses on hardware (videodisc technology) and software developments (knowledge databases; computer networks; database management systems; interactive video, computer, and multimedia user interfaces). Three generic computer-based…

Discusses the basic functions of library systems and their knowledge transfer role in modern societies. Four types of library systems that could arise from new technologies are identified: polymedia, electronic, digital, and virtual. Each of these systems is described, their distinguishing features identified, and their implications discussed.…

Examines the last 20 years of developments in the information profession, pinpoints the realities and possibilities new technologies represent, and discusses what technology offers the user. Cultural issues raised by the information age are discussed. Limits to free circulation of information are described, and the steps needed to remove obstacles…