The changing rights of the electronic resources environment

Abstract

Libraries are facing an ever-changing environment in which information resources are collected and provided to end users. Within the electronic information environment the libraries as the “keepers” of information for future generations are under threat as libraries do not buy or own information but enters into a contract to for the right to make use of it for the period it can afford to pay. This is a big change in the previous secure position of the library in the “information chain”. This paper will provide an overview of the new place of the library as role player in the electronic information environment, and its position between the publisher of information and the end-user. Emphasis will be placed on the electronic book environment.