Synopses & Reviews
Public Libraries and the Internet: Roles, Perspectives, and ImplicationS≪/i> explores the impact of the Internet and the expansion of the networked environment on U.S. public libraries through more than a dozen essays written by leading scholars and administrators. Notwithstanding the far-reaching changes wrought by the Internet, this is the first attempt to provide a comprehensive exploration of the subject over time and across areas of practice.
This wide-ranging volume, edited by the authors of several national studies tracking the use and involvement of public libraries with the Internet since 1994, offers both description and assessment. It discusses the ways in which the roles and services of public libraries have changed as a result of the Internet and offers a perspective on the meaning and impact of these changes. Perhaps most critically, it also suggests possible futures and opportunities as public libraries continue to evolve in this networked environment.
Review
"This book is a very timely and topical discussion of many important issues facing public libraries in their Internet service role. Although the initial studies are from the US, many issues in the library world are universal. Public Libraries and the Internet is well worth reading if you are a librarian in a public or educational library and you wish to keep up with current issues in the area of Internet access for library patrons" - Australian Library Journal
Synopsis
Perhaps one of the most significant factors impacting public libraries is their involvement in the Internet and the provision of a range of networked information services and resources. These impacts extend to patrons, practitioners, administrators, and policy makers, in addition to affecting public library funding, community expectations for public libraries, and social perceptions about the roles of public libraries. Public Libraries and the Internetprovides both a description and assessment of how well they have adapted to the proliferation of electronic data and technologies during the past 15 years, as well as recommendations and strategies to ensure continued success.
Synopsis
This book is a timely and detailed exploration of the impact and issues of the Internet in public libraries and their implications for society, policy, and professional practice.
Synopsis
• Highlights and reflects on the ways in which public libraries have adopted and adapted to the Internet since the early 1990s
• Summarizes national studies conducted by the authors since 1994 that track the use and involvement of public libraries with the Internet
• Identifies and discusses selected issues that affect the success with which public libraries have used the Internet and provided networked services
• Offers a number of recommendations and strategies for how public libraries can continue to flourish in the evolving networked environment
Synopsis
• More than a dozen essays written by leading scholars and administrators involved with libraries and the Internet
Synopsis
The impact of the Internet and related technologies extends to library patrons, practitioners, administrators, and policymakers. It affects public library funding, community expectations, and social perceptions about the roles of public libraries. How have libraries adapted so far? What does the future hold?