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Advancing the Concepts & Practices of Information Resources Management in Modern Organizations

Survey of Information Technologies in the User Environment

Survey of Information Technologies in the User Environment
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Copyright: 2014
Pages: 36
Source title: Information Technology and Collection Management for Library User Environments
Source Author(s)/Editor(s): Joseph Walker (IT Consultant, USA)
DOI: 10.4018/978-1-4666-4739-8.ch004

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Abstract

Along with the shift from print to digital formats, information technologies are significantly affecting today’s libraries. New technologies and concepts such as mobile devices, social networking sites, communication and interactive tools, and other Internet technologies are changing how libraries serve their patrons as well as how users interact with libraries and each other. Each technology has impacted the library user and the user environment so much so that today’s library is said to be everywhere. Wherever the user can go with their mobile device and access the Internet, and therefore the library OPAC, it can functionally be said that they are at the library, for the collection, user services, and library databases is where the library is located, not the brick and mortar structure. This increased access also raises concerns over online information security and privacy, and the conscious Internet user needs to be aware of the dangers and take the necessary steps to mitigate them. The concept of change is another element of these new information technologies—embracing it, for technology is always changing as new ideas spark new revolutions in development and libraries must change along with them. All information institutions must learn to ride these waves of change instead of being pulled along, half drowning, by the undertow. Learning to both integrate and inform patrons on how best to use these technologies becomes an important part of being an information expert. Surveyed in this chapter is a selection of those important and driving technologies and changes.

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