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This book explains the rapidly changing, complex flow of information in the context of 21st-century culture, policy, technology, and economics—an essential resource for librarians and information specialists in all types of settings.The role of information professionals today is to interact creatively with clientele: to help them navigate the information infrastructure. Shattering the concept of the library as a place, Evolving Global Information Infrastructure and Information Transfer describes'the library'as transformed to a dynamic virtual presence in the information infrastructure, where people are the most important resources in a digital library or information center—not the collections. Instead of focusing on specific technologies, which are always changing, this book examines the'big picture'of how information is created, recorded, mass produced, distributed, and utilized in society. This unique approach enables readers to better understand how they fit into this changing world, to envision their place in the digital age, and to assume a leadership role that ensures the success of their clients as well as themselves. This standout work is ideally suited for all types of librarians, educators, information workers, members of the research community, and policymakers in public and private sector organizations.

Advances in information technology are heavily influencing ways in which business, society, and government work and function around the globe, bringing many changes in a process commonly termed the'information revolution.'Document portrays the state of the information revolution today--in its technological, business and financial, governmental, and social and cultural dimensions--and how it will likely progress in the next 10 to 15 years. Focuses separately on different regions of the world, including North America, Europe, the Asia-Pacific region, Latin America, the Middle East and North Africa, and Sub-Saharan Africa. Also looks in depth at recurring themes in information technology's impact around the world, including, for example, its influence on business models and its interrelationship with social and cultural value systems.