DIFFERENT TYPES OF INFORMATION RESOURCE The Hybrid Library

The PN Revolution Resources of large reference libraries extended to every branch or community library Many additional resources on the Internet Internet more user friendly than large reference libraries (to many people) Library information resources might be available on-line in members homes

Problems Some of the best Internet resources carry expensive charges Quality of free Internet information extremely variable Many people feel lost on the Internet when looking for information (unfriendly environment)

Quandaries Which search engine do I use? What searching techniques do I employ? Which sites can I rely on? How do I find the best sites?

The Good Old Reference Library Staff keep up-to-date with Internet developments Staff will usually take time to help with searching techniques Staff will advise on use of library Favourites on the Internet Will provide access to a range of subscription services on-line (unlikely to be available in peoples homes) Will act as a Centre of Excellence

Management of Change The Hybrid Library (printed material, audio-visual material, on-line material, CD-ROMs) Replacement of hard copy versions with on-line versions Decisions taken on grounds both of cost and user-friendliness

Annual Publications: categories for review Titles currently subscribed for which there is the option of free Internet access Titles for which there is free Internet access to a suitable equivalent Titles for which there is low cost Internet access Titles for which there is a low cost equivalent Titles which cost the same on the Internet Titles for which there is expensive Internet access Titles for which there is no Internet access at present Titless free on the Internet that are already adding value to the service on a regular basis

Survey of Annuals: Action taken in 2000 Cancellation of 13 titles for which the option of free Internet access was found to be available Cancellation of 24 titles for which a suitable equivalent was found on the Internet, free of charge Cancellation of subscriptions to Hansard and Public General Acts, also certain periodical titles

East Dunbartonshire Situation Annual Management of Change reviews began in 2000 All subscriptions to annuals reviewed against Internet alternatives Establishing a culture of change (information about on-line resources prominently displayed, e.g. SCRAN) Close-quarter monitoring (library layout vital) Guidance to service-wide staff Promotion of The Hybrid Library