INFORMATION ACCESS IN LIBRARIES

Abstract

The current information landscape is experiencing tremendous growth of information both in print and electronic media. Overlapping types and formats of information presents the ambiguity about the future of traditional text-based publishing. Open access for global information from a remote place is present day's necessity. The current technology not only empowers users with wider choices for seeking information but also necessitates them to possess technical skills to access information in electronic media. Developing countries are faced with many technological inadequacies. Libraries need to understand the dynamics of service delivery in IT driven world and need to strike a balance between print and electronic resources. In this article the authors discuss information formats and types, information access process and problems of information access in developing countries. An Information Access Model integrating print and electronic resources is also proposed.