Offers an historical perspective of the past 25 years of computers in libraries, profileing currently available processing systems according to their size and platform. The short- and long-term future of information technology in libraries.;College or university bookstores may order five or more copies at a special student price which is available from Marcel Dekker upon request.

As we begin to fundamentally redefine our world, informed through the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) lens, entire industries are gearing up for this disruptive event. Library practices have been no exception. With the advent of advanced digital technology, knowledge is becoming more readily accessible. This book focuses on how libraries need to respond, adapt, and transform to become meaningful spaces in our rapidly changing 21st century, within the 4IR and coupled with the restrictions of the pandemic. Tracing the evolution of technology over the centuries, the changing role of the library as a response to disruptions is discussed.

The International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) is the leading international body representing the interests of library and information services and their users. It is the global voice of the information profession. The series IFLA Publications deals with many of the means through which libraries, information centres, and information professionals worldwide can formulate their goals, exert their influence as a group, protect their interests, and find solutions to global problems.

Knowledge systems are an essential aspect to the preservation of a community’s culture. In developing countries, this community-based knowledge has significant influence on such things as decision making and problem solving. The Handbook of Research on Social, Cultural, and Educational Considerations of Indigenous Knowledge in Developing Countries is an authoritative reference source for the latest scholarly research on the importance of knowledge and value systems at the community level and ways indigenous people utilize this information. Highlighting impacts on culture and education in developing nations, this book is ideally designed for researchers, academicians, policy makers, students, and professionals interested in contemporary debates on indigenous knowledge systems.

Industry 5.0 is advancing the collaboration between humans and machines and is finding value through connected virtual and human experiences. This technological revolution benefits numerous fields; however, the library and information science industry in particular can evolve and expand by embracing Industry 5.0. The Handbook of Research on Technological Advances of Library and Information Science in Industry 5.0 considers the current research and future trends of technological advances in library and information science related to Industry 5.0. Covering key topics such as robotics, smart libraries, augmented reality, digital libraries, and artificial intelligence, this major reference work is ideal for librarians, industry professionals, researchers, scholars, practitioners, academicians, instructors, and students.

In today’s globalized world, viable and reliable research is fundamental for the development of information. Innovative methods of research have begun to shed light on notable issues and concerns that affect the advancement of knowledge within information science. Building on previous literature and exploring these new research techniques are necessary to understand the future of information and knowledge. The Handbook of Research on Connecting Research Methods for Information Science Research is a collection of innovative research on the methods and application of study methods within library and information science. While highlighting topics including data management, philosophical foundations, and quantitative methodology, this book is ideally designed for librarians, information science professionals, policymakers, advanced-level students, researchers, and academicians seeking current research on transformative methods of research within information science.

Mixed methods research is becoming prevalent in many fields, yet little has been done to elevate mixed methods research in information science. A comprehensive picture of information science and its problems is needed to further understand and address the issues associated with it as well as how mixed methods research can be adapted and used. The Handbook of Research on Mixed Methods Research in Information Science discusses the quality of mixed methods studies and methodological transparency, sampling in mixed methods research, and the application of theory in mixed methods research throughout various contexts. Covering topics such as the issues and potential directions for further research in mixed methods, this comprehensive major reference work is ideal for researchers, policymakers, academicians, librarians, practitioners, instructors, and students.