The Internet and Libraries

Abstract

This article examines the impact of the Internet on the development of libraries and their services, showing that the network has become not only a tool for accessing information but also a core working environment that reshapes the roles of libraries and information specialists. It discusses the importance of the Internet in libraries through saving time and effort, supporting the description and organization of information resources, enabling access to catalogues, databases, electronic journals, and reference sources, and expanding channels of communication with users. The article outlines the tasks of the Internet-era librarian, including providing connectivity, information discovery, instruction, publishing, mediation, information organization, and advisory services. It then explores Web 2.0 and its related tools, such as blogs, social networks, tagging, RSS, podcasts, and wikis, linking them to the concept of Library 2.0, which is based on interaction, participation, and user-driven service development. The article also presents the concept of the digital library, its collections, requirements, and the technical, professional, and communication skills required of the digital librarian. It concludes that the future of libraries depends on qualified professionals capable of integrating Internet technologies into knowledge services.