LIbrary Users
What users want from a library:
This brings me back to my original point about librarians and
libraries. My most pressing need is to gain access to more of
the academic literature with fewer hurdles. Access from my
computer. Anywhere. With fewer clicks through proxy servers and
specialized journal links.
I guess I don't really have any use for librarians per se.
Except in so far as they get me closer to these unfettered
access goals.
From another user:
I see libraries going in three different directions.
One really important function (just now at least) is managing
the byzantine world of publishers and subscriptions. Making
sure we actually have access to what we want, hopefully without
breaking the budget of the University.
Another role is basically IT infrastructure and support. I
would like to see this become more explicitly a function of the
library and less it's own department. 95+% of IT is about
making sure people have access to the information resources
they need... and I think the libraries would probably do a
better job of it since it is baked into "what they do" (unlike
many IT departments).
It is also notable that libraries already deal with "user
generated" data, not just access to externally published
stuff.
Finally, I see librarians becoming more like consultants (such
as stats consultants).