Library landscapes: digital developments

What is it about?

This chapter looks at the future in terms of the kind of landscape in which libraries will operate. This will inevitably be a landscape that is dominated by the Internet and the new kinds of provision and usage that are possible in a digital world. The chapter investigates key aspects of digital libraries and the relationship between digital libraries and knowledge creation and use in different communities. It considers the view that there is an urgent need for libraries to develop a strong online presence, in addition to the physical building, in order to remain relevant in today’s online world – especially because they are social institutions, rooted in social communities. The chapter looks at a range of current and likely future communication tools, including wikis, blogs, social networking and podcasting, and looks at how to develop a range of resources that will best meet the needs of the library population

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