Library Hi Tech at 30

Abstract

PurposeThis article aims to look at the last 30 years of Library Hi Tech to identify which topics have continued and what priorities have changed.Design/methodology/approachThe methodology is a review in which the author looks back at articles from each of the past decades to discuss how they represent core topics for the journal.FindingsWhen Library Hi Tech first appeared 30 years ago, the key topics involved how to make our work as librarians more efficient. Today the question has become: how do we make it easier for those using our resources?Originality/valueKey future issues for the library community, as well as for Library Hi Tech, include not only how to preserve digital information over long periods, but how humans interact with computers and digital resources, and how the human physical environment – in this case the library buildings – can adapt. This paper is of value in looking at the implications of these issues.