Posts Tagged digital library
The Fresh Fruits from the Digital World: Google Opens Books to New Cultural Studies
Posted by acohen in Library Planning Research, Social Library Issues, work in progress on December 18th, 2010
In the Journal Science (17 December 2010: Vol. 330 no. 6011 p. 1600), a published study illustrated the Digital Library and its power. The article illustrates that E-resources and historical datasets can be used for sociological study. It were made possible by Google Doc’s and Harvard researchers. Together they “made it possible to rigorously study the evolution of culture on a grand scale.”
Changing Libraries – “Readers Wade Into Digital Lending”
Posted by acohen in library technology, Social Library Issues, work in progress on October 15th, 2009
The NYtimes article “Libraries and Readers Wade Into Digital Lending,” illustrates that libraries can provide digital services. As a matter of fact, some library patrons are already using the library in new and innovative ways. So, it is not surprising that digital lending is starting to occur in community colleges, academic and public libraries.
Some libraries are ready to make the digital leap so down-loadable e-books is a reality not a possibility. For example, Michael Colford, director of information technology at the Boston Public Library, stated “People still think of libraries as old dusty books on shelves, and it’s a perception we’re always trying to fight,” “If we don’t provide this material for them, they are just going to stop using the library altogether.”
Managing Library Collections in the wake of Digitization
Posted by acohen in Space Planning, work in progress on September 30th, 2009
Most libraries are going through a space transition. They are moving from Print only collections to digital copies. The issue is particularly difficult for librarians who are faced with lack of space for staff, collections and seating. The ITHAKA report is a good place to examine the latest thinking on the subject.
From our perspective, it’s quite possible that the transition from print to digital will speed up even faster in the next couple of years. The cost of building new space is going up and the need for social / educational learning spaces is increasing exponentially.
We know the students need information and technology literacy as much as, if not more than, standard reading literacy. That’s not to say that books aren’t an important part of their overall learning process, but they’re a tool like any other. The transformation of library space is continuing…check in to find out more.
