Internet Implications to Libraries

Title: The Internet’s effect on libraries: some personal observations

Author: Ya-ning Chen

Publisher: LIBRES

URL: http://libres.curtin.edu.au/libre8n1/chen.htm

Abstract:

A library's collection development is a continuous process and responds to the needs and goals of its users. It includes not just the policy of collection development itself but also the procedures of selection, acquisition and evaluation. With the use of the Internet and the advent of the virtual library, the new direction in collection development has become a number one issue. This article considers future directions for collection development from four standpoints: changes under the virtual library environment; the means of acquisition; related problems; and future directions (Chen).

Three things I learned from the article:

1.   Internet has a great effect to the library, especially in planning, collecting, organizing, delivering, and using the information.

2.   Traditional library must accept the new changes and transform into virtual or digital libraries to cater the needs of the new millennium users (the digital users).

3.   Some key directions that the libraries must use for collections development planning according to Cheng: reorganization among library departments, importance of bibliographic control, orientation to establish the feature collection, and he also emphasized that optimal availability is our final goal.

Application/Implication of what I've learned to my work/to me as a person:

As a librarian, I should not limit myself to the traditional setup of libraries. Also, I should improve my skills in organizing, maintaining, evaluating library’s collection, digital products, and use the Internet effectively.