The Transformed Library

E-books, Expertise, and Evolution

This wide-ranging survey takes stock of our institutions' strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats, analyzing how libraries and the very concept of librarianship have been comprehensively transformed over the past few decades. A respected veteran of libraries who has witnessed first-hand the many changes in the library world, Woodward provides a balanced, realistic look at the situation confronting both libraries and information professionals. In an assessment that proves both provocative and stimulating, she Examines the key technological and economic developments that have already had an impact on librarianship, and offers a frank evaluation of the roles libraries must fill today and in the future Sums up the trends in library management of e-books and other electronic media, in the process showing how libraries can enlarge their function as community hubs through digital innovation Analyzes the skills and versatility today’s library professionals need to survive and thrive, presenting career advice for staying current in the field’s changed professional environment Offers survival strategies tailored to librarians’ particular contexts, including academic, public, and school libraries The Transformed Library is an institution that can be more vibrant and relevant than ever, and Woodward’s book demonstrates how.