Libraries and the electronic information marketplace

What is and will be the role of libraries in the Internet age? Examines the nature of the electronic information marketplace with a view to the identification of some of the factors that will shape that marketplace and the role of libraries in the marketplace. Considers first the nature of electronic information as a product, product segments and the stakeholders in the marketplace. Pricing strategies and distribution also have a role to play. The virtual library is one scenario for the future, but it fails to acknowledge the complexities of today’s developmental information society. Libraries in 1996 are already engaged in a wide range of different projects that exploit the latest communications technologies. The development of the marketplace will be constrained by issues associated with information rich, information poor, intellectual property and copyright, security and data protection, standards, and archiving and bibliographical control. The only thing that is certain is that there are no answers. Each library system needs to capitalize on its relationship with its existing customers as a base for developing its future potential.