The Enduring Library: Technology, Tradition and the Quest for Balance

"I seek, in this book, to describe our present and future library life, and our use of technology, and our ways of looking at what we do. I also seek to describe a balanced approach that will enable us to incorporate technology (especially digital technology) harmoniously and without compromising our basic values."

Librarians are experts at selecting, evaluating and disseminating the best content in the most appropriate format to meet the needs of library users. New technologies can be invaluable tools in these efforts. Taking advantage of these technologies does not, however, change the fundamental mission of libraries everywhere. In this work, one of the library world's thinkers discusses the transformative effect that communications technology has had on information delivery from past to present to future. By tracing these transformations, Michael Gorman writes a roadmap for achieving balance between the tradition of library service and ever-changing technology. Exploring both opportunities and perils, Gorman points the way to: integrating technology into long- and short-term goals; rethinking reference work, to direct users to the highest quality sources available; revamping cataloguing through technology to improve user access; reinvigorating the library's role in promoting literacy; and relieving techno-stress to achieve peace of mind, harmony and stability.