The Internet Library

british museum reading room

a library may make use of internet in number of ways, creating own library website making contents of catalogues searchable online. specialised search engines such google scholar offer way facilitate searching academic resources such journal articles , research papers. online computer library center allows search world s largest repository of library records through worldcat online database. websites such librarything , amazon provide abstracts, reviews, , recommendations of books. libraries provide computers , internet access allow people search information online. online information access particularly attractive younger library users.

digitization of books, particularly out-of-print, in projects such google books provides resources library , other online users. due holdings of valuable material, libraries important partners search engines such google in realizing potential of such projects , have received reciprocal benefits in cases have negotiated effectively. prominence of , reliance on internet has grown, library services have moved emphasis providing print resources providing more computers , more internet access. libraries face number of challenges in adapting new ways of information seeking may stress convenience on quality, reducing priority of information literacy skills. potential decline in library usage, particularly reference services, puts necessity these services in doubt.

library scholars have acknowledged libraries need address ways market services if compete internet , mitigate risk of losing users. includes promoting information literacy skills training considered vital across library profession. however, marketing of services has adequately supported financially in order successful. can problematic library services publicly funded , find difficult justify diverting tight funds apparently peripheral areas such branding , marketing.

the privacy aspect of library usage in internet age matter of growing concern , advocacy; privacy workshops run library freedom project teach librarians digital tools (such tor project) thwart mass surveillance.