Libraries and Technology

This WayneWeb note provides information on the impact that information technologies (IT) is having on the libraries of today. These comments are from an internet-perspective -- but one could argue that the internet and its related technologies, are the main factors of technological progress within the library community.

It's possible that public libraries will become the hub of IT in the community today. At least until internet access is ubiquitous in U.S. households. Then public libraries will need to find their functional niche or specialization - not their geographical niche. When will that happen - certainly more than the next 5 years and it's hard to predict past that. The American Library Association has a program it its second year which has set an agenda and monitors the progress of libraries called ALA GOAL 2000. One of its main themes is "Access for All: The Public Library Promise."

Why will libraries be the community hub of IT over the next 5 years?

1. Because computers are expensive and they are the only way to get onto the internet now or to access and search volumes of CD-ROM information, or digital databases. Since computer access in the library is shared between individuals, it makes a lot of sense economically -- particularly for people not exposed to the technology elsewhere.
2. Because librarians are experts at finding, organizing,and determining the relevancy of information. Information Technology can actually slow someone down from their initial goal, because of the interesting but time consuming "detours" it offers. People, in general, do well with others guiding them in their searches. Computers are not user friendly enough-yet.
3. Because many people will need instruction in technology. Many adults did not receive formal computer training when they were in school, and unless they received on the job training, they have had little computer experiences. At the same time, the"content" and information now available to this same group continues to grow rapidly every day. 1997 will be interesting as financial institutions begin offering detailed transactional information and account information to those with online access to them.

National Digital Library Initiative -- Highlights The Future …

There is a Digital Library Initiative currently being funded, (at least in part), by the National Science Foundation. Follow the links below…for some exciting information into the future possibilities and the likely roads ahead for implementation. Each of the Universities cited below is part of the program.

http://www.grainger.uiuc.edu/dli-- Digital Library Initiative, University of Illinois

http://elib.cs.berkeley.edu-- Electronic Environmental Library Project, University of California, Berkeley

http://fuzine.mt.cs.cmu.edu/im/informedia.html-- Informedia Digital Video Library, Carnegie Mellon University

http://alexandria.sdc.ucsb.edu-- Project Alexandria Home Page, University of California, SantaBarbara

http://www-diglib.stanford.edu/diglib-- Stanford Digital Libraries

Meanwhile Most Public and Other University Libraries Are Moving Ahead Fast …

There are literally hundreds if not thousands of public and university libraries on the internet today.

http://www.yahoo.com/Reference/Libraries/Public_Libraries/ -- A Yahoo Hot-List of about 400 Libraries On The Internet

General Information

According to the American Library Association there are 122, 663 libraries in the United States.

According to the Public Library Data Service Statistical Report, 1996 -- 49% of U.S. libraries now offer Internet access directly to patrons.

Next Steps

1. Send WayneWeb your questions and we will try to answer them.

2. WayneWeb will enhance this page if requested.

3. Contact Wayne Public Library for their thoughts. Barbara J. Pickell, Library Director

4. After you have enough information, talk to others and exchange ideas.

5. Let your local representatives know what you think.

   Wayne Public Library Board of Trustees and Officers

   • Timothy J. Collins, President
   • Len Rothe, Vice-President
   • Lois Lavorgna, Secretary/Treasurer
   • Lawrence Giblin
   • David A. Waks, Mayor
   • Jane Hutchinson, Mayor's Alternate
   • Dr. Ray V. Kwak, Supt. of Schools
   • Diane Mahoney, Supt. of Schools Alternate
   • R. Guy Vinopal
   • Chris Mclntyre, Council Liaison
   • Edward Brodhead, President, Friends of the Wayne Public Library
   • Barbara J. Pickell, Library Director

Information Courtesy WayneWeb
http://wayneweb.com
201-956-1664