The Internet: will this highway serve the digital library?

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Informatics
• Library Science
• Digital Information Management

Background:

• The biomedical enterprise relies heavily on digital information, impacting library services.
• Healthcare organization libraries face unique pressures from evolving digital landscapes.
• Current libraries depend on the internet for resource access and inter-library connections.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an overview of near to midterm technical capabilities relevant to biomedical libraries.
• To explore how libraries can leverage these future capabilities.
• To guide libraries in positioning themselves for impending digital changes.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of emerging digital technologies.
• Analysis of the impact of internet enhancements on library functions.
• Strategic planning framework development for library adaptation.

Main Results:

• Identification of key technical advancements (e.g., AI, big data analytics, cloud computing).
• Potential new roles for libraries in digital content curation, data management, and user training.
• Strategies for proactive adaptation and integration of new technologies.

Conclusions:

• Biomedical libraries must embrace digital transformation to remain relevant.
• Proactive adoption of new technologies is crucial for future library services.
• Strategic planning will enable libraries to navigate and capitalize on digital information changes.