From information service to content providing - the present and future of LibInfo

Abstract

LibInfo, the joint online reference service of Hungarian libraries, launched its new homepage in June 2003 (with financial support from the Ministry of Cultural Heritage), which introduced, along with graphical changes, a completely new version of operation built on the framework of the previous system. The new version comprises of two essential changes: primarily, a switch to an entirely web based operation, whereby the process of providing answers is conducted through the Internet, and secondly, a new system of database service, which enables LibInfo to contribute to Internet content through its on-line reference service, its catalogued link collection and its indexed archive of Internet web pages. The upgraded version also provides LibInfo the means to participate more and more in the digital document providing network. These features comply with the strategic plans of the National Széchényi Library, which acts as the moderator and co-ordinator of the service. Our article aims to introduce the new system of operation and to outline our plans for future development.