This report explores the world of e-books and libraries, where libraries fit into these book-consumption patterns of Americans, when people choose to borrow their books and when they choose to buy books. It examines the potential frustrations e-book borrowers can encounter when checking out digital titles, such as long wait lists and compatibility…

Suggests that the virtual library is an impossibility and the ideal of an all-encompassing solution is unrealistic. Current roles of libraries as places for personal enrichment and places to learn more about things will merge with the new technologies to make the library a constantly evolving institution. (JKP)

Information technology plays a role both in library administration and in the use of information resources. Viewed in historical perspective, the "computer era" is just beginning, and the prospect of the "electronic book" is good. Librarians must be computer-literate and lead students and the public in the use of new…

Proposes three themes and issues to be considered by a 1989 White House Conference on Library and Information Services--library and information services for productivity, literacy, and democracy--that will enable the conference to identify unmet needs, examine issues, and develop recommendations as called for in pending legislation. (EJS)

Summarizes impact of the electronic age and role of the library focusing on the situation in Nigeria and concern for the new age; problems of Nigerian libraries and librarians (developing economy, responsibility for development, political situation, technological problems, lack of personnel); future prospects; and suggestions for present.…

Major trends in library technology and technology in general, as indicated by information gathered through internal development work at the Dallas Public Library, professional readings, and interviews with experts, are discussed. Trends covered are: (1) internal library services focusing on a total systems approach to library automation; (2)…

This discussion of the impact of electronic developments on the dissemination of information and the role of the library argues that a central role as a switching center and information consultant will be critical to the survival of the library in the rapidly evolving electronic information environment. (CHC)

Themes of the 23rd Annual International Association of School Librarianship conference included "Traditional Literacy,""The Current Status of Libraries,""Literacy in a Technological World," and "Preserving Cultural and Historical Literacy." The following papers were presented at the conference: (1)…

This collection of essays and responses by 18 specialists and librarians focuses on three research perspectives: (1) governmental, economic, and technological changes; (2) possible results of change in the humanities, education, and social institutions; and (3) the process of change and ways to create conditions for change. Each specialist's essay…

This essay explores issues arising as librarians and publishers exploit new technologies--economic constraints, different discipline predilections for formats of information, intransigence of some scholars to alter communication patterns--and examines future of electronic publication and how the scholar, the library, and publishing industry will…

Some reasons why society is evolving from formal communication based on print or paper to communication channels which are largely paperless (electronic) are discussed. A scenario for a paperless communication system is presented, and some technological achievements that lend credibility to it are described. (Author/JAB)

Examines a multiplicity of issues that must be considered as features are taken from two existing systems--libraries and computing centers--and used in moving toward the integrated information support system of the future. Discussion covers indexing, conversion, access, security, costs, changes in the workplace, and challenges of transition. (EJS)

Examines bibliographers and collection development in terms of seven sometimes overlapping contexts in order to gauge how and why their roles have changed in the past and to speculate about the future. Dimensions examined include the system of scholarly communication; information marketplace; library and university as organization; technological…

"Cyberpunk librarian," a metaphor for librarians operating in cyberspace, is defined. This article describes the properties and culture of the electronic frontier, discusses the social impact of cyberspace, examines the role of libraries and librarians in the future. Argues that librarians can help shape a vision of cyberspace that…

Reviews the Fall 1996 issue of "Daedalus," entitled "Books, Bricks, & Bytes," which explores social, economic, and technological demands on libraries; and "Buildings, Books, and Bytes: Libraries and Communities in the Digital Age" (1996) which describes the perceptions of library leaders and the general public concerning the future of libraries.…