Editorial

Citation

Gelfand, J. and Riggs, C. (2005), "Editorial", Library Hi Tech News, Vol. 22 No. 4. https://doi.org/10.1108/lhtn.2005.23922daa.001

Editorial

"Libraries as Place" is certainly a common theme being studied in many libraries around the globe these days. Many reasons contribute to that and include how collections are taking a different shape as they become increasingly electronic and the physical collection space shrinks; collaboration among users is becoming a more active engagement and the library is a place of choice of where to meet and discuss scholarship, research projects, seek information, etc.; instruction is a paramount activity in academic libraries and in addition to group meeting space, there is the need for classes to come and meet with librarian instructors; computer laboratory and media space is now central to most libraries due to multiple formats of information and the need to create new information products; efforts are being made to create additional services and access for users with physical restrictions; to comfortable reading rooms are part of the plan in libraries and often accompanied by cafes and places for laptop connectivity as wireless zones describe the landscape. This issue explores this theme with an interesting feature article contributed to by students in a humanities course who were assigned to write about "user centeredness" and the changing concept of "library."

Other features include a very exciting read about gadgets, a look at new toys for work, home and play. These instruments and devices find themselves in the mainstream of the library, making us more efficient, more connected, more interactive and allow for many new functions. One of the co-founders of www.ourmedia.org J.D.’Lasica writes about and describes the free open-source global repository for digital media and how that relatively new venture functions and its goals for the future. This is certainly a concern for subscribers, users and creators and we think you will find this very informative.

Our contributing editor from Africa, Mr Adomi sends an interesting submission about the development of mobile phone service in Nigeria. Developing countries are even more dependent on this technology because of the scarcity of established telephone lines but the obstacles in seeing the cell phone industry evolve, and the government establish regulatory controls is a fascinating read for anyone with an interest in new business ventures dependent on wireless connectivity.

Also, we have a conference report from the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) and like in years past, the Mihram duo of Danielle and Arthur have captured several important IT-related sessions. Owing to this being the celebration of the Einstein anniversary, the programming reflected different interests but still the report covers science policy, library-related issues, maturation of the digital library movement and online publishing scenarios.

You can continue to be "in the loop" by reviewing the columns found in each issue covering New Books in IT-related themes for librarians and libraries, the comings and goings in New & Noteworthy and what is coming down the pike in terms of scheduled meetings and conferences. We always want to cover those that are most relevant to our readership and invite you to please consider writing a conference report.

Julia Gelfand(jgelfand@uci.edu)Colby Riggs(cmriggs@uci.edu)Co-editors