Describes some of the new roles and challenges librarians face with the development of new information technologies such as computer networks and document delivery systems. It is argued that librarians will increasingly fill the role of information intermediary as patrons take advantage of end-user systems. (12 references) (LAE)

Considers whether libraries are artifact-bound institutions and therefore will be replaced as the dominant technology for information communication moves from tangible objects to electronic bits on a network. Topics include what libraries are for; libraries as information subsidy; subsidies for networked information; and the digital library as…

Describes the creation of subject-oriented Internet resource guides and a clearinghouse for such guides, two examples of how librarians can add value to Internet information by repackaging its resources. Problems users face in finding information on the Internet, current solutions and their shortcomings, and the concept of value-added repackaging…

Discusses the future of libraries in rural areas, the role of the community, and possible effects of changing technology in telecommunications. Topics include a historical background, including the Rural Electrification Administration; networking technology; an example of a Rural Area Network in Colorado; and new roles for libraries and…

This two-page digest briefly outlines some of the technological trends in updating a library, and briefly discusses the administrative issues and strategies involved. It begins by describing the wholly integrated information environment, which would include: (1) public-access personal and professional communications networks; (2) information…

Traces the development of national computer networks and discusses the need for the National Research and Education Network (NREN). Topics discussed include ARAPNET, Internet, BITNET, NSFNET, the role of the government, legislative status, the Coalition for Networked Information, policy issues, technological requirements, and libraries and NREN.…

The boundaries between various information, entertainment, and communication fields are shifting. The edges between our library systems and communication networks are becoming increasingly fuzzy. These fuzzy edges affect concepts of education, learning, and knowledge. The existing library paradigm does not easily accommodate the new, fluid and…

Contains reprints of four articles showing that librarians foresaw the impact of technology on libraries: (1) "Copyright and the Future of Authorship" (Barbara Ringer); (2) "Inventions and Books--What of the Future?" (Ethel M. Fair); (3) "The Changes Ahead" (Lowell A. Martin); (4) "Trial by Computer" (Basil…

Discusses document delivery services in the light of new technology. Topics addressed include the historical influences of the printing press; the influence of microcomputers on the publishing industry; copyright issues; the changing role of publishers, researchers, and academic librarians; information partnerships among publishers, librarians,…

Describes the Scholar's Workstation project, a campuswide computerization project at Brown University, and assesses its effects on the role and operation of the institution's libraries. Suggestions are provided for other libraries whose institutions are exploring the possibility of a similar venture. (CLB)

The conference "Community Networking '96" looked at ways computer and information technologies can be used to strengthen communities and improve civic life. In one workshop, speakers addressed the relationship between libraries and community networks, stressing that librarians are in the best position to pursue grants, raise public…

Analyzes information technology used in networks and cooperative systems to access primary documents and its impact on the information industry. The concordance between old and new technologies in traditional and virtual libraries is considered. Discussion includes the resulting paradoxes, such as more people accessing relatively smaller…

The authors envisage a new future for libraries, one in which they assume a very proactive role, pushing, as well as pulling information back into the Web, in a manner similar to that in which a private electricity producer feeds back surplus power into the grid as well as taking electricity when needed. (Author)

This paper examines the role of academic systems librarians, focusing on the effect of networking technologies. Outlines stages in the evolution of the field derived from the literature and surveys, discusses new administrative and professional tasks and trends resulting from technological change, and speculates about the future of academic…

Eight papers are presented from the 1995 CAUSE conference track on academic computing and library issues faced by managers of information technology at colleges and universities. The papers include: (1) "Where's the Beef?: Implementation of Discipline-Specific Training on Internet Resources" (Priscilla Hancock and others); (2)…