Various predictions are being made about the future of library technology, but many of these are "paper dragons"--exciting and plausible, but made without real consideration of need or of the possibility of implementation. A review of many such forecasts makes it possible to develop criteria for a logical and credible prediction:…

This paper examines the likely effects of technological developments on the planning of American academic library buildings during the 1980's and shares Richard Snyder's experiences in the design and construction of a new library building at Drexel University in Pennsylvania. Descriptions of general, economic, policy, psychological, and…