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In this article the authors discuss the challenges of libraries to remain relevant to their users in the face of various trends such as institutional repositories and the creation of digital libraries. The authors note that these trends, which are driven by the patrons’ needs, have caused the role of the librarian to change and eliminated the need for support staff. A discussion of a model for library staff that allows professional growth within the library is presented.

Reference interactions with patrons in a digital library environment using digital reference services (DRS) has become widespread. However, such services in many libraries appear to be underutilized. A study surveying the ease and convenience of such services for patrons in over 100 academic health science library Web sites suggests that cumbersome access and difficulty of use may be a key restraining force. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A brief historical overview of the library instruction scene in the United States and Canada, an analysis of library instruction conference themes, and the identification of perceptions of librarians attending the LOEX, WILU, and LOEX of the West conferences in 2000 and 2001 reveal that the border may be responsible for significant differences between the two countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the deficiency of the libraries to offer a rich online information environment to the library users. It relates that the rich online world created by the library is not available to the user at convenient locations within the library and they have not provided the useful integration between the online and on-shelf resources. It adds that the library does not have the technology to create the full integration of the user's workplace, the electronic resources of the library and the physical library. Moreover, it discusses the two trends that enables the library to create the integration including the evolution toward omnipresent network access and toward hand-held network and computing devices.

Stresses that libraries seek to provide free and open access to their resources for all members of the community regardless of their ability to pay and without judgment as to their need. Discussion on libraries and society; Disadvantages of technology for libraries; Views on librarians.