Librarianship [microform] : The Challenge of the Information and Electronic Revolution / Peter Dunstan

Librarians need to take the initiative and seize the opportunities presented by a changing environment and society's demands for greater access to information. New technologies such as laser disks, machine indexing, telefacsimile, microcomputer applications, and fiber optics are having an immense impact on the practice of librarianship, and the role of the librarian is widening as the profession moves towards providing consulting services in a wide range of information-related areas. The reference librarian of the future will be more closely involved with research into better ways of providing information to users--e.g., making computer systems more friendly, creating more sophisticated databases, testing new technologies, and experimenting with different approaches to information--yet the emphasis on personal contact must not be lost. Today, the role of CSIRO (Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization) in ensuring effective access to and use of knowledge is more important than ever, requiring an information professional of the highest standing. This professionalism will guarantee an excellent CSIRO scientific and technological information resource for Australia. (KM)