The acceptability of digital resources
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/14684520510617794 |
| Pages | 345-348 |
| Date | 01 August 2005 |
| Published date | 01 August 2005 |
| Author | G.E. Gorman |
| Subject Matter | Information & knowledge management,Library & information science |
EDITORIAL
The acceptability of digital
resources
G.E. Gorman
School of Information Management, Victoria University of Wellington,
Wellington, New Zealand
Abstract
Purpose – To introduce a review of the most recent literature concerning electronic information. Also
to look at the problem of permanency of electronic work regarding ever-changing internet links.
Design/methodology/approach – Based on a range of comments, articles and book reviews.
Findings – Advises that libraries should initiate the recording of changes in internet addresses and
disseminate those of significance to their clientele.
Originality/value – This review is a useful source of information for librarians and others interested
in electronic information.
Keywords Electronic media,Internet, Generation and dissemination of information
Paper type General review
We are excited about the future! The expanding role of libraries in the twenty-first century
will be founded on a vision in which libraries are the first places people go for the information,
resources and services needed for their jobs, education and passions. Libraries are the
recognized leaders for how content – from any source – is organized and shared in their
communities (Sommers, 2005).
Unresolved issues of digital resources
This is one man’s view of the information future, and it is pleasing to read such
positive and enthusiastic comments for a change. Others also regularly comment that
libraries and related information repositories are central to the global information
infrastructure. But how much of this is wishful thinking? What is the reality of this
claim about how libraries organise and share content in the digital era, an era in which
Online Information Review and other Emerald titles are playing key roles in making
information available digitally without necessarily going through a library?
My increasingly strong impression, and this is from a scholar’s viewpoint, whereas
Sommers represents commercial endeavour, is that as researchers and writers more
readily turn to digital resources and seek to present hyperlinked scholarly resources,
libraries and other repositories are doing too little to keep up with our needs. As editor
of Online Information Review, I hope that this journal, along with The Electronic
Library and Library Hi Tech in particular, are contributing positively to the discussion
of where libraries need to be going to serve our needs. But perhaps some requirements
of the scholarly community need to be highlighted to make certain that our message is
coming thorough unequivocally. These requirements are based on scanning articles in
the three Emerald journals just noted, as well as following discussions in other media.
The Emerald Research Register for this journal is available at The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available at
www.emeraldinsight.com/researchregister www.emeraldinsight.com/1468-4527.htm
Editorial
345
Online Information Review
Vol. 29 No. 4, 2005
pp. 345-348
qEmerald Group Publishing Limited
1468-4527
DOI 10.1108/14684520510617794
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