Vermont: Library and information technology
| Published date | 01 February 1996 |
| Date | 01 February 1996 |
| Pages | 309-316 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/eb048029 |
| Author | Patricia E. Klinck |
| Subject Matter | Information & knowledge management,Library & information science |
VERMONT
LIBRARY AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Patricia E. Klinck
Klinck is State Librarian, Vermont Department of
Libraries, 111 State St., State Office Bldg. Post Office,
Montpelier, Vermont
05602;
e-mail: pklinck@dol.state.
vt.us;
voice: (802) 828-3261; fax (802) 828-2199.
The Vermont library environment has been heavily
involved with information technology since the early
1980s. Like most of the library world, Vermont's
introduction came through technical services from
OCLC. Use of computers to replace teletype machines
and paper mail to speed the interlibrary loan process
soon followed.
Vermont Automated Libraries System
In 1983, Vermont Automated Libraries System
(VALS) was designed to insure that rural Vermonters
had the same access to information as their urban
counterparts. The Vermont Department of Libraries
(DOL) has always had as its mission the collection,
organization, and dissemination of information in a
variety of formats. In the early eighties, the major
Vermont libraries realized that the primary challenge
for libraries in Vermont was going to be to keep pace
with new technologies and information formats especial-
ly in a rural environment. At a time when major
changes were being experienced within the library,
information, and education communities coupled with
economic constraints, it
was
imperative that
all
branch-
es of government, all types of libraries, and individuals
of all ages and economic status including those with
special needs had equal access to information and
materials, both state and national. Further, this access
should be made available through the local library to
the individual quickly, at no cost or low cost, and with
no prejudgments or limitations.
Vermont has no county or middle-level govern-
ment and therefore has only small-town libraries and
— VERMONT —
ISSUE
54-55
—
14:2-3 (1996) 309
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