Collections on the Web: some access and navigation issues

Many libraries are currently experiencing a transition from printed to electronic collections. This transition has led to changes in collection development practices as well as in the roles of information professionals who facilitate access to information. Roles of librarians in both public and technical/access services are converging. There is a demand for a new breed of librarians who understand the entire electronic information scenario: procurement, organization, access and public services. All these come into play when making decisions and choices for meeting users’ information needs. Libraries are addressing such issues as ownership versus access, consortial access to electronic resources, licensing and authentication, surrogate versus full-text electronic resources, and integration of free Web content into collections. Librarians are challenged to embrace new ways of optimizing access to electronic resources and to explore ways to fit new technologies and innovations into traditional library structures and practices.