The Electronic Library: |
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| Abstract: | This paper explores the trend toward centralization of library services resulting from the impact of technology and economic conditions on today's research institutions. It contends that earlier predictions indicating library services would became more decentralized due to automation have not held true. Instead, as remote access to libraries and electronic databases becomes more popular, it appears to be the users who are increasingly decentralized rather than the collections and services. The growing trend toward centralization is reflected in the growing consolidation of science and technology departmental libraries into either one central sci/tech library or the integration of departmental collections into the main library collection. Economic factors, organizational patterns, and library users have also contributed to the increased use of the centralization model. The merging of services and library functions are also discussed. A possible scenario for future library organization is provided. |
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