1. INTERNET LIBRARIAN INTERNATIONAL ‘99 ROLES & OPPORTUNITIES: EVALUATION & CONTENT D. Gail Stahl The Boston Consulting Group March 31, 1999

2. ROLES & OPPORTUNITIES Influence of the Internet Old and new roles Evaluation skills & competencies Opportunities

3. How is the Internet Changing Information Roles? Delivery time Unverified content - looks official on a computer screen Search engines seem easy to use Unlike books, everyone can access web sites Increased need for training - for us and for others Access does not require knowledge of search strategies or training Ease = confidence of accuracy of information More web content watching than book re-shelving

4. INFORMATION PROFESSIONAL ROLES Collection acquisition Collection organizer Bibliographic instructor Access & control Subject expert Reference interviewer TRADITIONAL ROLES Expert in information products & delivery modes Search strategist Search engine specialist Content consultant Guardian of copyright compliance Trainer & teacher Life-long learner TODAY’S ROLES

5. WHAT IS THE BALANCE? All Print Colleagues/ Experts CD-ROM Electronic Subs Pay-as- you-go All Internet/ Intranet

6. ANSWER THESE QUESTIONS FIRST What is important to the requestor? Quality of information Speed of delivery of information Intermediary assistance or do-it-myself research Electronic transferability and immediate delivery Cost of information

7. CONTENT EVALUATION Accuracy Authority Objectivity Currency Coverage Criteria Same as print version? Original publisher or aggregator? Any apparent bias? Latest update? All articles from all issues with all text and graphics? Decisions

8. COMPETENCIES & GOALS Unbiased, worldwide knowledge of content producers and providers Excellent training ability Up-to-date understanding of your organization’s “business” Exceptional communication skills in real & virtual situations Desire to be a life-long learner Infinite curiosity

9. NET ROLES & OPPORTUNITIES Titles and job descriptions evolve and change Boredom from sameness - not a problem! Infinite opportunities to learn and share

10. FUTURE OPPORTUNITIES Always opportunities to learn about Information collection, organization & delivery New technology and applications People