Computers have been a major resource in libraries for many years. From the first OPAC terminal to librarian-assisted DIALOG searching, the role of computers in service to library patrons has come a long way. Today, library public computers serve many different needs of patrons. Public computers are OPACs; gateways to databases, e-books, e-journals, video and audio content; information resources about the library and its many services; e-mail kiosks; and a destination where patrons find numerous software applications. All of these resources are often loaded on each public computer, and patrons flock to them. These computers are fully networked and often configured for, or attached to, numerous peripherals.

Source: Association of Research Libraries

This entry was posted on Friday, December 21st, 2007 and is filed under Libraries and Librarianship, Search News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Responses are currently closed, but you can trackback from your own site.