Beyond the Browser - by Karl Bridges (Paperback)

About the Book

"Authored by an experienced librarian, digital resource manager, and professor in the field of library science, this book explores the wide-reaching impact of second-generation web technologies on library organization and services--and how library staff must respond"--

Book Synopsis

Authored by an experienced librarian, digital resource manager, and professor in the field of library science, this book explores the wide-reaching impact of second-generation web technologies on library organization and services--and how library staff must respond.

Most librarians are infinitely familiar with the Internet due to their daily use of this essential resource. However, having practical expertise with today's digital resources does not guarantee the ability to speak intelligently and convincingly about their less-obvious benefits to funding authorities--an important skill to have.

Beyond the Browser: Web 2.0 and Librarianship overviews the history of libraries and the Internet to provide necessary perspective and then examines current and future trends in libraries. In Part I, the author traces the notion of connectivity from its roots in the 19th century through the rise of digital technology in the second half of the 20th, concluding with a discussion of its influence on the role expectations and performance of today's information professional. Part II investigates the evolutionary impact of open access, scholarly inquiry, and second-generation web technologies on library organization and services. A bibliography of helpful resources is also included.

Review Quotes

"This book could be a useful reference for academic library administrators to employ in crafting collection, privacy and hiring policies for their institutions." --Journal of Electronic Resources in Medical Libraries

"Offering concrete information on how librarians will need to respond to these rapid changes, the title first shares an overview of the history of libraries and the Internet. What follows is an easy-to-read investigation of the impact of second-generation web technologies on library organization and services." --Library Media Connection

About the Author

Karl Bridges is librarian and associate professor at the University of Vermont in the Information and Instruction Department where he manages digital resources.