Synopses & Reviews
This timely and essential guide facilitates the shift from the traditional library into that of the digital age. Peter Brophy covers topics including social and cultural effects of the virtual library, hybrid libraries, and the changing roles of librarians -- including the wide-range training needed to become 21st century information experts, enhance acquisition skills, and meet the evolving need of their patrons. Supported by a helpful glossary and bibliography, this comprehensive guide outlines in simple terms the essential information that librarians need to know in order to meet the challenge of running a successful organization in the 21st century. It is an important guide that will prove essential reading for both new and seasoned librarians, and students.
Synopsis
Social, cultural and technological developments are revolutionizing library services. The way ahead for the profession is now generally seen as a practical blend of traditional and electronic materials with integrated support services which fit seamlessly into users' normal ways of working. This is leading to a fundamental rethinking of the role of the library in society. Drawing on the author's recent research, this timely second edition of The Library in the Twenty-first Century offers a clear new model of how traditional and electronic sources can co-exist in the library of the future, building on the previous work by focusing on the library as a vehicle for encouraging creativity as well as a provider of information resources. It is now commonplace that libraries have a major role to play as expert intermediaries, helping users to gain access to the tools needed for effective acquisition and use of information, within the broader context of the networked information world. But it is beginning to be recognized that they still have a profounder role within their communities, and this book emphasizes that beyond the intermediary role is the vital requirement to promote understanding and engagement
Synopsis
Focusing on the library as a vehicle for encouraging creativity as well as a provider of information resources, this book offers a model of how traditional and electronic sources can co-exist in the library. It emphasizes that beyond the intermediary role of libraries is the vital requirement to promote understanding and engagement.