Publisher's Synopsis
The Internet has transformed the role of the library and information professional out of all recognition. Its reach extends into every aspect of service delivery: purchasing of stock; renewal of items on loan; accessing e-journals; and reader development websites. It would be difficult to imagine going back to the days before the Internet streamlined and enhanced such services for the customer. This new desk reference book will keep practitioners ahead. It opens with snapshot illustrations of instant messaging and portals to show just what can be and is being achieved at the heart of service provision in the 21st century library. Service development in the information society involves not merely the provision of access, but also the creation of content. Understanding the possibilities of the Internet fully is crucial for the LIS professional in developing applications that would have been impossible without this new technology. This book is an essential companion to enable information practitioners to do just that, and is also key reading for LIS students.
