Abstract

This review of major developments in the library world in 2010 analyzes the impact of the global economic crisis through budget cuts to library services, with some examples from the Anglo-Saxon world in contrast to the Spanish case, and its adverse impact on the supply of services, collections and investments. On the contrary, we see continued and rising demand, mainly focused on collections and digital based services. The digitization of collections and the incorporation of electronic books are consolidated as the central elements of the operation and services of all types of libraries.

Abstract

The editorial function has been characterized by a strong systems component, in the sense that all chain elements are closely interrelated in a necessary concatenation. The emergence of digital technologies has led to a breakdown of this logical structure, altering traditional mediation and intermediation systems and allowing the disappearance of some essential elements. Thus, roles such as the publisher or distributor, essential elements in an analog environment, may disappear in some of the models that are being generated. In line with this, new business models are also emerging and new actors in this field, with concurrent advantages which their previous experiences allow them. Amazon, Apple and Google are taking a strong position in the electronic book market.