Page 118 - DLIS408_INFORMATION_TECHNOLOGY-APPLICATIONSL SCIENCES

Unit 10: Classification of Libraries

The emergence of the hybrid library has put a new emphasis on copyright issues for many libraries. Notes
The complicated and changing copyright laws in both the United States and the European Union
have made it a challenge for many libraries to make sure their patrons are using the digital items
lawfully.
Hybrid libraries need staffs that are trained in helping patrons navigate the vast amount of information
available in the digital age. Librarians working in hybrid libraries have training in electronic media
as well as the traditional print forms.

Purpose and Scope of Hybrid Library

Hybrid Library is where traditional resources and electronic resources are brought together to
work in an integrated way. The ultimate aim of the Hybrid Library is to give the user seamless
access to the most appropriate resource whatever the medium, whether it’s print, sound, digital,
etc.. Advances in web technology have made it more of a possibility that we will be able to
provide users with a single interface to explore all resources.
The concept of the ‘hybrid library’ has emerged within the higher education Electronic Libraries
Programme (eLib) in the UK, although it is reflected in some practice in other countries (the
California Digital Library being an example). It recognises that both ‘traditional’ (i.e. print-based)
and electronic services have disadvantages. For example:

In the traditional model

Each item must be used serially (i.e. one user at a time)
Libraries can only stock a very restricted range of items
Publication processes mean material is dated even when added to stock
The cost of stocking little used items is very high
There are high cost associated with handling physical objects
Heavily used items wear out.

In the electronic model
The quality of sources is often uncertain or unknown
Browsing is difficult at the detailed item level
The economic model is uncertain, resulting in severe restrictions on accessing valuable
content
There is no consensus on achieving preservation
The library is poor at encouraging social interaction.
As far as accessibility is concerned these two approaches have also to intersect with a blend of
accessibility tools (for accessing ‘standard’ resources) and transcription (for changing the mode of
presentation of standard resources). The accessible hybrid library thus presents even greater
challenges than the straight forward hybrid model.
Most real-world library services will have to cope with the provision of information in both
traditional (e.g. print ) and electronic formats. Furthermore it is likely that the same information
will be available in different formats, perhaps with different terms, conditions and prices attached to
them. Managing integrated services will be a matter of very considerable complexity.
The range of services offered by libraries is of course far wider than the supply of information, even
defining that term widely. Libraries also offer information skills training, expert enquiry and reference
services, accommodation for study and reading, equipment and a portal to the national and
international library network. The integrated, hybrid library should be able to provide all of these
services, but to do so within the new networked information paradigm.

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