Electronic sources in libraries of Polish technical universities: yesterday and today

Abstract

The aim of this article is to outline changes in the libraries of Polish technical universities, as a result of the proliferation of electronic information sources. Methods of gaining access to them are discussed. Results of a survey, which suggest that the increasing availability of e-resources does not go hand in hand with the development of skills for selecting, assessing and using these resources, are described. Usage statistics for three e-resources from three technical universities are also described. With the introduction of remote access, the number of user visits to the library decreased. Thus cultural activities, as well as adapting the library space to users’ changing expectations, have become necessary to attract users. Libraries are becoming increasingly “open” to users’ needs, and in addition to traditional tasks many of them have taken up the role of a university information centre.