Context
Access to knowledge is fundamental to education and research, the improvement of lives, and the creation of human capital upon which the development of societies depends. Yet many people around the world are at risk of being left behind in the digital age.
Without access to high quality information and resources, the citizens and future leaders in developing and transition countries are at a severe disadvantage in terms of sustainable socio-economic, political and cultural development Effective libraries play a key role in the provision of information and services to people in a wide range of fields – from health care to engineering, from agriculture to education – thereby supporting scholarship, research and livelihoods in a variety of ways.
For many people, libraries are the only place to access computers and the Internet. Well-trained librarians help users to meet their information needs, and enable institutions and researchers to increase the visibility and usage of their scholarly outputs. In addition, librarians are advocates for the public interest to ensure that information is accessible to all, both now and in the future.
However, factors such as the high cost of commercial e-resources, legal barriers and poor technological infrastructure hamper effective library services and reduce their benefits. In order to realize their full potential, libraries need modern technology, tools, resources, and training.
Read more about this topic: Electronic Information For Libraries
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