ISBN-13: 9781591588160

89 pages 6 x 9
2012

Authored by an experienced librarian, digital resource manager, and professor in the field of library science, this book explores the wide-reaching impact of second-generation web technologies on library organization and services and how library staff must respond.

How do libraries stay relevant in light of widespread Internet access, eBooks, and mobile technologies? What steps must today's librarians take to address copyright, privacy, and intellectual property, and security issues? And how are these tasks to be accomplished in the face of the current library funding crisis? These are all valid and complicated concerns for today's librarians.

Most librarians are infinitely familiar with the Internet due to their daily use of this essential resource. However, having practical expertise with today's digital resources does not guarantee the ability to speak intelligently and convincingly about their less-obvious benefits to funding authorities, an important skill to have.

Beyond the Browser: Web 2.0 and Librarianship overviews the history of libraries and the Internet to provide necessary perspective and then examines current and future trends in libraries. In Part I, the author traces the notion of connectivity from its roots in the 19th century through the rise of digital technology in the second half of the 20th, concluding with a discussion of its influence on the role expectations and performance of today's information professional. Part II investigates the evolutionary impact of open access, scholarly inquiry, and second-generation web technologies on library organization and services. A bibliography of helpful resources is also included.