Synopses & Reviews
Summary Scientific libraries have undergone dramatic changes since the end of the 1960s. This book explains and characterise these changes and main trends, and describe their consequences for the libraries. The aim of the book is to present an overview and an analysis of the long-term developments. Professionals within library and information sciences, together with students, will find the book of interest, enabling them to understand the situation of the libraries today and also prepare them for decisions about the future. Key Features The book summarises the author's unique practical experiences from 35 years of work within the field of library and information sciences Analyses main trends from a holistic and long-term perspective The book provides the reader with the tools when trying to plan for and predict the future The Author Dr. Tomas Lidman is currently General Director of the National Archives in Sweden. He was National Librarian 1995-2003 and before that (1991-95) University Librarian of Stockholm. Since 2003 he has been Chairman of the University College of Fine Arts in Stockholm and was 1998-2004 Chairman of the University of Bors. He has been working internationally within IFLA, EU, Council of Europe and ICA. Readership The book is of great value for individuals working within Library and Information Science sectors but also for decision-makers and others involved in the cultural heritage sector. Contents Introduction Not like the old days - the dawning of a new era: the 1970s From cards to computers: the 1980s A decade of optimism: 1990-2000 Harvest time: 2000-2007 The challenges for libraries in the future
Review
"The reader could not have a safer pair of hands to lead libraries on that particular journey." -LCR "It is refreshing to read a book with a distinctly European flavour and citing examples of European libraries and developments within the European library field." -Library Management "I heartily recommend the book to my colleagues in libraries and in professional education. It is a thoughtful review of modern academic library development written from within, but with the very keen understanding of a knowledgeable outside observer." -Information Research
Synopsis
Scientific libraries have undergone dramatic changes since the end of the 1960s, and this book explains and characterizes these changes and trends, describes their consequences, and presents an overview and an analysis of long-term developments. Both students and Library and Information Science (LIS) professionals will find the book to be useful for understanding the current and future state of scientific libraries.
About the Author
Tomas Lidman is currently leading a National Committee on Literature at the Ministry of Culture in Sweden.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Not like the old days - the dawning of a new era: the 1970s
From cards to computers: the 1980s
A decade of optimism: 1990-2000
Harvest time: 2000-2007
The challenges for libraries in the future