New Tools, Gadgets, and Devices in Libraries

Abstract

The internet explosions, proliferation of online resources, and the advent of free and open access resources in the last two decades provided the much-needed impetus for libraries to inject new energy into providing quality delivery of its services. More and more applications and databases are being provided to the libraries as mobile products. This chapter summarizes, to some extent and expatiate to a large extent, the various new tools, devices, and gadgets operational and adaptable to various aspects of librarianship. After an exploration of how these devices and tools work, and the different types, the author provided a comparison of current popular products, followed by a look at some of the new tools, gadgets and devices that we have available (to and around us). With the awareness that we are in the midst of an ongoing information revolution, the internet and personal computing have tremendous potential to transform library services. All tools, devices, and gadgets will be analyzed with an eye towards the future, cost-effectiveness, performance, and functionality.