The core mission of libraries has always centered on making content and related services available to patrons. The form in which that content is delivered has changed continually. The most ancient libraries or archives organized clay tablets or cylinders written in cuneiform. Centuries ago, the transition from scrolls to codices must have been…

On the eve of a major change in communications media (from printing to widespread electronic publishing), this article reexamines and projects into future the library's fundamental role as a social institution. Discussion covers three environmental trends, library as an institution, and public policy and economic choices. Twenty references are…

Considers the relevance for sub-Saharan Africa of electronic information systems in terms of the segments of the population that would benefit from such services, as opposed to a broader library role of advancing literacy to the general population. (Author/CLB)

Highlights major trends in information technology and speculates on their impact for library services in the future. Bibliographic accessibility and the role of the librarian in information management in tomorrow's libraries are discussed. (EM)

Includes five papers presented at the 1995 VTLS Inc. Fifth Annual Director's Conference in Roanoke (Virginia), entitled "Back to Basics: Rethinking Libraries." Topics include libraries' use of high technology, collection management and electronic publishing, public services and telecommuting clientele, what to expect of library school…

Reflects on changes in information technology and current and possible future trends. Topics discussed include technological innovations and their chances for success; information technology devices; finding market niches; and implications for libraries, including the future of print books and projections of electronic access and publishing. (LRW)

Discusses how standards have shaped libraries in the past and how technological advancement, information standards, and the development of information networks will shape libraries of the future. Librarians and vendors are encouraged to develop a vision of this networked future and become informed about the role standards will play. (EA)

Discusses issues related to the idea of a virtual library, or electronic library, in an academic setting. Topics discussed include access to academic libraries via personal computers; online catalogs; wide area networks, such as Internet, and their impact on library and computer center services; administrative issues; human and technological…

Discusses the impact of electronic publishing, information networks, and new ways of accessing information on libraries. It is noted that the virtual library will still need human direction and that librarians' primary responsibilities will be in finding knowledge and teaching. (EA)

At most schools and universities, the traditional roles of the library and computing services organizations have begun to converge as the technologies they use to store, transmit, and retrieve information and, in some cases, the information itself, become increasingly similar. Examples of the changing patterns of information storage and retrieval…

Discusses concerns for academic libraries identified by a survey of editors and manuscript readers of this journal. Highlights include technology; leadership; library users; management issues, including recruitment, communication, and new services; access versus ownership; funding; copyright; licensing; teaching and research; electronic…

Discusses how rapid technological developments in the information industry, such as electronic publishing, satellite and microwave systems, video display terminals, and videotext have affected publishing costs, libraries, librarians, and users. Online searching is seen as a major development that may threaten the future of libraries, librarians,…

New technologies for generating, storing, and transmitting information will radically change information flow on college campuses and in society at large. University librarians will need to design environments for storing and retrieving these new types of information that will continue to nurture the life of the mind and support scholarship.…

Describes one library's use of technological innovation to provide Associated Press updates over the library's 24-hour dial-up service during the Persian Gulf War. Suggests five rules for innovation: (1) develop a shared vision; (2) foster frequent, formal, and informal communication; (3) empower employees; (4) take limited risks; and (5) use, but…

Over the past 20 years, academic collection development specialists have dealt with changes, brought about by decreasing purchasing power and the growing importance of electronic resources. Throughout, collection managers have rethought their efforts and revised criteria for selection of materials in new formats while maintaining traditional…