New book addresses promises, challenges for “Digital Age” libraries

Medford, NJ, October 1999—Information Today, Inc. has announced the publication of The Evolving Virtual Library II: Practical and Philosophical Perspectives, edited by Laverna M. Saunders. Building and expanding on Saunders’ 1996 effort, The Evolving Virtual Library: Visions and Case Studies, this latest book uses case studies to show how academic, K-12, public, corporate, and special libraries are being transformed to meet the demand for online information access.

With chapters by Saunders and nine other experts, The Evolving Virtual Library II explores key trends and issues in the digitalization (and “Internet-ization”) of libraries. The book describes developments in computer networking, showcases solutions for remote users, illuminates promising online applications in all types of libraries, and offers a meaningful vision of the future.

Contributors and chapters include:

• Laverna Saunders, Salem State College: “Reflections on an Evolutionary Process”
• Judith Field, Wayne State University: “Intranets & Extranets at Work”
• Maria S. Bonn, University of Michigan: “Building a Digital Library”
• Gail McMillan, Virginia Polytechnic Institute: “Managing Digital Content”
• Tore Brattli, University Library of Tromsø: “Library-Generated Databases”
• Don Napoli, St. Joseph County Public Library: “A Public Library in Transition”
• Joyce Kasman Valenza, Springfield Township High School: “Transformational Impact of School Reform & the Web”
• Vicky York, Montana State University Libraries: “Extending the Library to Remote Users”
• George Mahovec, Colorado Alliance of Research Libraries: “Understanding Networks and Telecommunications Infrastructure”
• Marshall Keys, NELINET: “A Vision, Through a Glass, Darkly”