Library book vendors are facing new realities in the 21st century. Changes in continuations, firm order placement, value-added services, approval plans, retrospective collection development, and database creation and maintenance are being effected in an effort to keep current customers and attract new ones. Those changes and the subsequent shift…

This article employs a citation-tracking method for gathering and reviewing literature of academic librarianship. Each work discussed either cites the work of F.W. Lancaster, an early predictor and enthusiast of "paperless information systems," or another that cites it. The aim is to provide an analytical overview on how academic librarians saw…

Describes the emergence of communities of digital library (DL)research and practice, explores directions of digital libraries arising from these communities and speculates on future directions which point toward the need for extensive research in digital libraries and for the transformation of libraries as institutions. (AEF)

Discusses political and cultural battles over the role of a national library in France and the future direction and function of libraries in general. Uses accounts from the press to trace changes in the project as well as ways in which it influenced French librarianship. Contains 34 references. (Author/LRW)

Discussion of the possible changes in Hong Kong in 1997 when rule passes to the People's Republic of China focuses on the uncertain future of libraries and librarians. Topics discussed include the political climate; the departure of qualified Chinese librarians; and the growth of libraries and computerized systems. (LRW)

The purpose of this book is to identify some of the trends being confronted as information technology becomes more pervasive in university libraries and campus agencies. The seven papers in this volume address issues and concerns that the transformation will raise while campus administrators, faculty members, and others work to find ways to move…

Controversy is the current state of opinion among librarians and others about the future of libraries. The proponents of the electronic library say that now that information is readily available from sources other than the library, the role of the library must be rethought. Some of the advocates of the electronic library see the elimination of the…

Examines issues and trends surrounding the changing library environment, and how changes have influenced the role of librarians. Analysis of the library environment in the past, present, and future included four elements: (1) role of the librarian; (2) library collections; (3) technologies; and (4) users' needs. (AEF)

Discusses 50 years' worth of development of librarianship in Pakistan and analyzes the policies and plans made. Reviews the role of library schools and their curriculum in the development of the profession and examines the impact of the information revolution, as well as new dimensions in librarianship. Provides a timeline of plans and…

Examines how rural librarians view librarianship and libraries, and the future of both. A total of 441 surveys were sent out; 232 were analyzed. Findings indicate rural librarians are overwhelmingly positive about the profession and its future. The major obstacle facing rural libraries is a lack of education to cope with changes the information…

The role of the public library has changed with the advent of the Internet and digital technology. In addition to its traditional role as a storehouse of information, the role of the public library now encompasses a range of duties such as a resource learning center, a community center, and a business liaison. The opportunities for service have…

Outlines technology trends affecting library marketing: change is too slow; education is out/learning is in; the next generation are "NextHeads"; the next generation is different; change cannot be managed generationally; "virtual" is place, not format; communities of interest are not bounded by geography; new brands are…

In order for the Federal Depository Library Program (FDLP) and depository libraries to assume their new role in the electronic environment, librarians need to examine their current technology, deal with political realities, and be critical of FDLP ideals. The FDLP needs to be reorganized into a new system of information centers to provide the best…

Challenging popular prognostications and asserting that the complex mix of technologies projects suggests no clear path to the future, this book offers an alternative model to a simplistic digital future. The book is divided into four main parts. Chapters in the first part, "Being Analog," consider the need to get over the digital…

To help understand the trends, strategies, structure, and new skills that will be required by the information professional in this changing global environment, this paper examines the future of the library and information profession and the impact that information technology is having on the discipline. The paper focuses on the online delivery of…