Different views on the future of research libraries are presented in this collection of papers from persons affiliated with the State University of New York (SUNY) at Albany. Joseph Z. Nitecki (library director) discusses the effect of social change on library missions, operations, and procedures. Warren F. Ilchman (vice president for research and…

Considers three-dimensional impact of future information society on libraries--diffusion of information technology (library automation, electronic bibliographic control, remote access to library); transformation of societal systems (appearance of information literacy educational system, intelligence infrastructure); and changing human needs (goal…

Describes the challenge to libraries involved in the development of online catalogs, discusses the revolutionary importance to librarianship of the online catalog, outlines the role of effective planning in implementing online catalogs, and projects some changes that will occur in libraries because of them. (JL)

Discusses the traditional role and functions of research library technical services departments and examines the impact of electronic information and information technology on technical services. It is argued that technical services units will stagnate if they do not accept the responsibility of becoming technologically adept. (19 references) (CLB)

Details the design, financial support, organizational structure, and evolution of a program to facilitate the automation of small public libraries in Massachusetts and to promote resource sharing among those libraries. A sidebar by Governor Dukakis expresses his views on the role and importance of libraries. (MES)

Examines present trends as well as the past history of information technology as it affects libraries. Topics include library vision and the need for a redefinition of their role as information middlemen between vendors and consumers; effects of the World Wide Web; and electronic information. (LRW)

After two years of construction, American Samoa Community College opened its new library on September 2, 2003. The library is located on the east side of campus and is equipped with ten computer workstations, four online public access catalogs, three copying machines, and an elevator that is in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.…

This general discussion of adaptation of new technologies to the administration of libraries stresses the mismatch between the developmental pace of technology and the change adaptive capabilities of people, and advocates the participation of users in the planning and implementation of change. It explores the complexity factor in technology, the…

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)

Presents a model for predicting and shaping the impact of information technologies on libraries and the library role which is based on the effects of computerization in various business applications. The library network at AT&T Bell Laboratories is described as an example of a successful implementation of the model. (CLB)

Discusses the evolving roles of academic librarians as information professionals, and the resulting career development in terms of professional issues, organizational issues, technological concerns, and required competencies. A career path model is presented which delineates primary roles, psychological issues, and strategies for attaining…

Discusses four megatrends from John Naisbitt's book--"Megatrends"--which have particular relevance to the electronic library: shift from industrial to information society; need to balance high-tech with high-touch; focus on self-help over institutional help; and change in organizational structures from pyramid hierarchies to networks.…

Defines and describes three roles of library collections: archival, dispensing, and bibliographic. It is argued that the rise of remotely accessible materials makes possession less important relative to access, has implications for all three roles, and indicates a shift in emphasis away from collection development and conventional catalogs and…

Discusses virtual libraries in corporate settings from the viewpoint of five special librarians. Highlights include competitive advantage, space and related collection issues, the use of technology, corporate culture, information overload, library vulnerability and downsizing, and the importance of service over format. (LRW)

There is an electronic revolution in the library which may prove to be a revolution in the humanities and in the nature of learning and education. The humanities are an essentially human enterprise of which the record reposes in books in libraries. The central role of libraries in preserving these ideas must survive the electronic revolution.…