The future library: Internet resources from cataloguing to use

Abstract

The function of paper-based catalogues has traditionally been to organise bibliographical descriptions of documents within the ambit of local collections. Only occasionally, generally in cooperative projects, outside availability has been recorded in notes or locations.

The extraordinary growth of tools such as FTP, Gopher, Web, Mosaic, has increased the use of the Internet to disseminate information. Texts in digital format and OPACs form a virtual library, in which the ability of network users to share information will soon replace the ability to identify it.

Although powerful, the Web engines do not offer a controlled access and should be deployed by developing strategies which make efficient use of the search strings.

Libraries now have the undeferrable task of adding value to the electronic resources via the usual processes of evaluation, selection and cataloguing, including them in OPACs, structuring digital catalogues, drawing up addressed lists of titles of Web documents, URLs and descriptive data on line, tailored to the needs of the user. The use of the USMARC 856 field, the creation of indexes in HTML format or of data archives by subject form links to remote resources which in turn enhance the local collections.

Another interesting trend on which much of software research is currently focused is that of preparing client programs for installation on personal computers which can create and keep up-to-date indexes or data banks in an interactive manner, while the network users are navigating.

All the initiatives now under way in libraries are moving towards a presentation of information which integrates the paper-based and remote resources, tailored to the needs and models of behaviour of the users, and which require new skills as regards both cataloguing and reference services.

Paper presented to the 5^th Workshop "Electronic information in libraries and documentation centres '96" (Milan, Università cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 25-26 September 1996).
The author thanks Gabriella Cortesi and Paolo Sirito.