Abdication or empowerment? User involvement in library, archives and records services

Abstract

User involvement in information services is a contentious issue. This article explores the participation of patrons in libraries, archives and records centres. It reviews the causes of this change, and discusses the consequences for the information profession. The article notes the constants in information environments, and concludes by suggesting that the opposing sides reach a compromise in order for industry survival. © 2007 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.