The 'just in case' collections certainly used to be how many public libraries provided 'print' material for our users. Due to web based information resources libraries are no longer locked into providing everything in a print format "just in case 'it is needed by our users. Libraries are moving away from this ' just in case' collection development and more toward the 'just in time' provision of required material. No print collection can cater to every users needs and precious collection funds can be wasted trying to acheive it. Customers certainly want a more immediate response to their request. It seems Libraries need to keep pace with immediate access to information or become redundant as a provider of information. The internet has certainly had an impact on how users access information 24/7. Libraries are become more deliverers of information rather than lenders.
I can see that web based programs are very importnat to the future of how libraries provide information to its users because of its convienience 24/7 - its immediate aspect. I agree with Anderson - that Web 2.0 reality continues to emerge and develop, our patrons will expect access to everything - digital collections or journals, books, blogs, podcasts etc "embracing this could be our great opportunity"
Internet has changed the information marketplace. I believe libraries are, will continue to, and need to - find new ways to bring our services to our patrons. It would seem that a web based environment it what is required for a large percentage of our users, the need to integrate our services into our customers daily patterns of work, study and play - is required. Internet overcomes geographic re-strictions, but the user must have access to the internet in the first place. People in more affluent areas will have easier home access to internet use , less affluent areas will still be reliant on libraries providing free internet access for them - Public Libraries continue to maintain this very important access to many, although over time most households will probably have their own home based internet access.
Library websites are and will continue to be an important link with our users - these sites which can direct patrons to much of their information needs must:
- look user friendly
- be user friendly - can find links to what you require easily
- fun and easy to use
- Use simple jargon free language
- Be interactive and interesting
- have no frustrating barriers the user needs to negotiate to be able to find what they need
Libraries can and do offer a wealth of information via various databases and digital collections of journals etc . More use can be made of many of the available growing online web based information sources such as blogs,podcasts, RSS feeds, flickrs and social bookmarking etc. Perhaps a future role of library staff will be as teachers of how to access web based information??? Chchchchanges....
However, I do strongly believe that libraries will continue to play a very important role as a provider of recreational reading and learning via print and audio collections that can be lent. In this economic climate the simple print and audio versions of many materials will still remain important,popular and needed - in particular fiction reading in all formats, print, large print, audio available from libraries - these items are becoming too expensive for many people to afford. I for one like to be able to pickup and put down a book or magazine when it suits rather than access this online.
I am also mindful that many older people like the simplicity of print material, and do not want to go down the Web path.
So libraries can and should be many different things to many diferent users.
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