Adding a new dimension: e-books

Volume 17, Number 4 • April 2000

Adding a new dimension: e-books — The next link in the online library evolution is already here
by Terry Ballard

THE SYSTEMS LIBRARIAN column focuses on the evolution of the online library. Relates that OPACs have come a long way, although initially people still had to go to the library to use the OPAC. However, says that in the early 90s things started to change as librarians began to see the possibilities of the Internet, and with the advent of the Web came a quantum leap in OPAC functionality. Describes how the next brick was added to the virtual library by adding e-book links, influenced by an improvement in the Innovative Interfaces catalog that allowed for regular checking of every link in the online catalog. Discusses Project Gutenberg, which has digitized more than 2,400 titles, and netLibrary, which provides a mix of public domain works and copyrighted books. Concludes that this is a fast changing field with constant new developments. Includes three screen displays.