Libraries in Digital Environment: Problems and Prospects

Digital information has promised to lead a new digital library world. The advent, rapid succession and subsequent widespread use of information technologies have completely revolutionized the library systems and services. The continuing new developments in IT are bringing us to a new digital era that nobody would have imagined a few decades ago. With this development, libraries are being shifted from traditional library environment to automated library environment and finally to digital library environment. In this environment, the traditional library systems and services are being replaced by new technologies such as collection development of e-resources, library automation, networking of libraries, consortia mode of acquisition, open access initiative by publishing open access journals and creating open access archiving, digital right management, creation and maintenance of digital libraries, use of RFID etc. Accordingly libraries and LIS professionals are facing a lot of problems to acquire and implement these new technologies. However, there is also great opportunities for LIS professionals to play an important role of knowledge manager rather than role played as custodians of traditional libraries. With these changes in LIS environment and profession, the course curriculum of library and information science at bachelor, master and M.Phil level have changed to a great extent. This book is an attempt to help students, teachers, professionals and researchers of LIS in getting information of recent trends of libraries through 21 chapters. It highlights the works of a number of distinguished teachers and LIS professionals and offers fresh perspectives on digital library environment.