Inside library portals: workflow in library automation

Abstract

The main lines for the design of a library online public information project are drawn. In the context of the information society, the library must be understood as a hybrid library, characterized by a constant technological evolution and the coexistence of multiple systems of access to information in multiple systems of access, and in which digital information adopts mainly a role of integration and substitution. Current library automation must evolve from a model basically oriented to the internal technical processes towards a newer and more integrated concept, and must address the present situation of complexity and dispersion of the different library technologies, i. g., library systems, local networks, OPACs, office automation, relational databases, webs, specific applications, etc. Library automation must be considered, from an internal point of view (technical processes), as a groupware and workflow project, and, from an external point of view (information for the users), as an Internet portal and a virtual community project. The content and scope of the different levels of library portals, and the guidelines, strategies and the global technological frame for development of a library information system are delimited