Abstract

With the failure of school libraries in Spain and public libraries that are more targeted to adult patrons, it seems that the library authorities have forgotten about services to adolescents. The specific needs of young people aged between 14 and 18 years are not being met. It is proposed that the successful information commons (or resource centers for learning and research, as they are known in Spain) of the universities be made available to non-college youth through cooperation agreements with public administration.

Abstract

The expected disappearance of the physical library at the academy is motivating librarians to assume new roles and develop new services, such as CRAI (resource center for learning and research), or information commons. CRAIs seek to overcome wishful thinking and lack of training with protocols and quality products such as CRIS, tools for the evaluation of the scientific production of the institution. Some authors criticize the lack of transparency of many CRIS products, which are private and not user friendly despite the technical quality, as well as the persistence of obsolete bibliometric techniques. In conclusion, the creation of a national super-CRIS is proposed, which should be managed by expert professionals and with political capacities.

Abstract

The library models emerging in a framework of digital information and communication technologies are analyzed, taking into account the changes that leaded to the current library paradigm. The models are seen as an adaptation of the libraries to a society based on an intensive use of the ICTs and the economic order that supports it. The article focuses on the new alliances among libraries (joint-use libraries), and also with other services (information commons) and institutions like archives and museums (LAM).