Changing the paradigm of acquisition and cataloging in Polish research libraries. The impact of new information technology

Abstract

Thesis/purpose of the article – the purpose of this article is to present the impact of new information technologies on building and cataloguing library resources, and the ways modern research libraries have been functioning in the last 25 years. Methods – the analysis presented in the article is based on a thorough review of the literature, including conference proceedings, reports documenting the activities of research libraries, a study of statistical data illustrating changes in library holdings as well the author’s own knowledge and expertise acquired in the course of her work at the Jagiellonian Library and in cooperation with other libraries. Results / conclusions – the dissemination and implementation of new information technology has resulted in libraries starting to work in a hybrid model. Using modern tools they support both analogue and digital data as well metadata. Librarians, analysing the use of resources offered to users, favour to an increasing extent an access library model. The creation and development of this hybrid information environment has resulted in a wide cooperation of librarians that seems to facilitate meeting the coming challenges and changes in the way libraries will function in 21st century, where an important part will most likely be played by the further development of information technology.