A Vision of the Virtual Library in the Strategy of the Technical University’s Library
Ewa Kołodzińska and Halina Ganińska
Abstract
Present–day understanding of the virtual library. Description of the virtual library components: network, information and communication technology (ICT), online catalogue, internal resources, dispersed resources, and online services. The portal as the virtual library center. Multifunctional structure of the portal: integration of resources, communication, distribution of information, offering services online. Conclusions for the strategy of the Technical University’s Library of the hybrid (library) structure.
Summary
This article deals with the present–day understanding of the virtual library in Poland, i.e., the evolution of the concept in the last 10 years, from that of the digital library to the virtual. The idea of the virtual library is based on the traditional library; however, it constitutes the enlargement and improvement of the latter’s activity in the ever–changing information technology environment.
It describes some elements of the virtual library such as the network, information and communication technology (ICT) infrastructure, the enlargement of the online catalogue’s functions, access to bibliographical and full–text own resources, online library and information services for the end user.
Next, the article characterizes the environment of the virtual library following the work of A. Magnussen and the nine areas identified therein as influencing the development of the virtual library: legal framework, finances, users, personnel, organization, management, technology, collaboration and scientific disciplines.
The library portal with the multifunction structure as the centre of the virtual library is presented further as enabling the integration of internal and external resources, communication with the user and introduction of diverse forms of information distribution as well as offering online services. The proposal of the structure of the library portal is borrowed from K. Maloney; the example is that of the Kentucky Virtual Library.
Finally, the article offers conclusions for the strategy of the Technical University’s Library of the hybrid (library) structure: developing information model and undertaking strategic activities in at least five areas, i.e., giving up the functional structure, strengthening the matrix structure, transformation into the hybrid library, education and enhancement of information skills as well as effective management of information services based on the assessment method of economic effectiveness and operational research.