An attempt to formulate a national library information strategy in Hungary

Abstract

Advanced computer information technology and networking has created a situation even in the field of libraries and information centres that needs a rethinking of present tasks. New functions corresponding to current requirements should be adopted by libraries. It involves, on one hand, the transformation of traditional library functions and workflow according to advanced technology, i.e., the introduction of computer cataloguing and circulations, computer-based ordering and financial management, computer-based bibliographic information retrieval and dissemination, automated library and interlibrary services etc. On the other hand, due to computer and information technology, traditional functions have gained new sense: e.g., bibliographic services imply not only documeni supply but also information supply and dissemination; libraries collect and supply, in addition to printed documents, machine readable sources (video-cassettes, DAT cassettes, CD-ROM, network sources). All these library institutions, with their historical traditions, have to adopt new service strategies.