Search results

This article explores some of the applications of the e‐book in the modern library. With over 30 years of history, recent computing advances have finally made electronic book technology a viable option to both publishers and libraries. The advantages libraries gain from the medium are many, but companies such as NetLibrary and ebrary have shown that the industry still needs to establish a definitive means of making their products successfully usable in the library environment. Library networks and consortia, such as the Golden Gateway Library Network and the Marion County (Indiana) Internet Library, have found practical ways to share e‐book subscriptions with their members; by obtaining subscriptions for the consortium, the individual members can all make use of the same collection. E‐books continue to be a matter of discussion in library discussions, and the benefits and disadvantages are being weighed in libraries across the country.

Aims to highlight the future of academic libraries. through discussion with David Bishop.

Personal interview with retiring University Library Director.

Academic librarians must be prepared to be flexible. It will be a vastly different job in ten to 20 years. The biggest job librarians will be facing is changing the expectations of libraries. Society will respond to libraries as they exist now and it will be a societal decision.

The article outlines how a major university has evolved and established a strong relevancy for students, faculty and administration.

To introduce a successful online community information network created and managed by libraries.

Historical and operational overview by director of organization that sponsors the information network.

The 10‐year old online network provides a resource that puts the library in the center of their community, and in a position of leadership.

Using the power of the computer, information from all communities is available to everyone.

Background on library service needs that lead to the creation of regional library systems, and overview of current trends.

Historical and philosophical overview by participating regional library system director.

In Illinois, the creation of regional library systems supported the establishment of many new public libraries and service was expanded and strengthened in existing libraries. With the need for new libraries less critical, the systems have greater focus on resource sharing and library development.

As resources for libraries continue to be strained, cooperative ventures can make scarce dollars go further.

To introduce statistics and issues raised in national study of American reading habits.

Highlights from the National Endowment of the Arts reading survey, which was conducted in 2002 and published in 2004, are presented. These are presented alongside personal views on the current trends.

A downturn in literary reading, as noted in the survey, is countered when compared with library circulation statistics over the same period. A major consideration is that many people now listen to their books, instead of reading them.

The paper questions the popular blame of the internet for the downward trend in literary reading.

To focus on the importance of providing appropriate and specialized services for the senior population.

Body of knowledge compiled by author from current news, professional sources and personal topical files.

Libraries in the US have a wide variety of creative programs and services for senior‐aged patrons, as well as handicapped users.

The column stresses the importance of libraries to study and plan for the challenges of serving a rapidly growing senior population.

The purpose of this paper is to show the background on copyright law in the USA and how potential orphan works and broadcast flag laws may affect it.

Historical overview of copyright law, including why fair use is important, and shows how changing technology may affect how library and school work with copyrighted materials.

Growing digital technologies have changed the way people use copyrighted materials, and copyright law should reflect that. However, considerations should be made to ensure that the public's interests in the form of fair use are still protected.

The article emphasizes the importance of intellectual property, as well as the importance of people being able to have access to copyrighted materials.

The purpose of this paper is to present observations of hurricane‐damaged New Orleans and the current status of library services for the area.

The paper presents the author's personal observations from a visit to a library conference, and a commentary from residents and library staff.

Libraries in the New Orleans area sustained extreme damage, but through the efforts of library staff, they have emerged with a much higher community profile. Now the library is considered when any major event or recovery effort is mounted in the area.

The article profiles the continuing challenges for a major city that experiences massive destruction and devastation after a natural disaster.