Saturday, July 24, 2010

Christine L. Borgman

Information technologies are converging, computer networks are extending their reach, digital libraries are proliferating, and the user community is growing exponentially. These developments combine to make vastly more information resources available to many more people in many more places. Some predicted that computer networks and digital libraries would lead to the end of books, bookstores, libraries, and archives, to a proliferation of virtual classrooms, and to employees working great distances from their employers. Although profound social changes are taking place, few of these effects have occurred to the extent predicted or in the ways anticipated. Book publishers and bookstores are thriving, online and off. Libraries, archives, and museums are taking leading roles in providing access to their resources in digital forms. Distance-independent learning is still in experimental stages as its providers try to find the combination of content, delivery mechanisms, and students most amenable to new forms of instruction. Meanwhile, admission to "traditional" colleges and universities remains as competitive as ever. Telecommuting is an established employment model, but only for certain jobs, employees, and employers. These new technologies are being adopted, but they are continually being adapted to suit the needs of individuals and organizations.

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