LIBRARY TRENDS

• General Library Information and Statistics

This section describes the library profession in statistical terms, including its overall size, expenditures, holdings, circulation and reference transactions, number of patrons and librarians, librarian salaries, and more.

• Impact of the Internet and Other Technologies on Libraries

This section looks at users’ preference for Internet search engines, particularly Google, over using the library, as well as the proliferating number of Web 2.0 “social publishing” applications, the increasing commercial library-related projects from Google and others, the rising popularity of RSS, IM, and gaming, and other trends that are causing a large-scale shift in information use patterns.

• Library Response to the Internet

This section looks at how libraries’ traditional infrastructure is changing – and will continue to be transformed – to meet the evolving preference of users for Internet technologies. Trends and topics covered include reference, OPACs, cataloging, repositories, library as place, special libraries, and more.

• Academic and Research Libraries

This section provides details of the transformation underway at college, university, and research libraries, including usage patterns, a shift to more bookless environment, unique resources developed by these institutions, and special problems they face.

• Library List of Resources and Library Trends Subject Guide

The Library List of Resources contains the lists I are compiled throughout these sections to illustrate applications, such as Innovative Library Projects, Library Technology Blogs, OAI Repositories, Social Software/Web 2.0 Applications. The Library Trends Subject Guide highlights some of my favorite resources used in this project.