| The organization, functioning, and the role of libraries in university communities continue to change dramatically. While academic research libraries continue to acquire information, organize it, make it available, and preserve it, the critical issues for their management teams in the twenty-first century are to formulate a clear mission and role for their library, particularly as libraries transition to meet the new information needs of their university constituents. Building a Virtual Library addresses these issues by providing insight into the current changes and developments within the area of library science.
Virtual libraries are organic. Understanding the challenges of development is ongoing . These challenges range from content to interfaces, from digital video to geospatial infrastructures, from staffing to marketing. This book explores the dynamics of building a virtual library at the University of South Florida within the context of national developments and standards. This illustration will assist the reader in understanding and developing similar resources and services for his or her library.
Issues presented in this book are complex. The simple question “What is information” depends upon your current role. Do you need a quick definition of “genetics” or guidance in using Worldcat or need to know that the New York Times has a searchable archive? The qualification of “current” is equally important, since even as information professionals, we navigate as experts and as novices. At one and the same moment, we have a subject expertise and a passing knowledge of many others. Further, we have immediate needs and longer timeframes depending upon the context. However, as information professionals, there are concerns about our own roles as librarians and how we interpret what this means. Are we seeking to reinforce our brick presence as we expand our click presence? Where is the “teachable moment” in the electronic environment? Are we visible or invisible mediators in the provision of information? Can anyone see us? Do we need to be seen? |