Computers are an important technological advance for librarians. Computers keep records of various activities, such as ordering, cataloging, and circulating materials. Many libraries have computerized information sources called on-line databases. The person using an on-line database requests information from a central computer system, which may be thousands of miles from the library. The central computer sends the information over telephone lines to the library's computer. On-line databases enable users to find articles, reports, and materials that libraries might not have in their collection. Other advanced systems, called videotex (a type of interactive video), combine computers, television, and telephones. Videotex permits libraries to offer various services in homes.
Some libraries join a library network to deal with the growth of information. In a library network, computers at different libraries are connected so that they share catalogs, materials, and services. For example, a patron might use the library network to locate a certain book on Latin-American literature. The user can then request an interlibrary loan of the book or a photocopy or fax of certain chapters. The user can also have an electronic version of the book sent over the library network.
Excerpt from the "Library" article, The World Book Encyclopedia © 1999