Contents: Preface. 1. Concept of the e-information service. 2. Digital learning. 3. Copying in libraries and archives. 4. Preservation and access. 5. Electronic journal. 6. Internet infrastructure. 7. Information access. 8. Outsourcing information. 9. Metadata resources. 10. Archiving and repositories. 11. Evolution of information services. 12. Digital futures. Bibliography. Index.

"The World Wide Web (WWW) is a global information space which people can read and write via computers connected to the internet. As more people rely on the web for information and less people approach the reference desks at their local libraries for assistance, there is an increased need for formal methods of remote communication between information seekers and information professionals. Many libraries and organisations have responded to this need by providing reference service via the internet, or digital reference service, to their users.

With the growth of digital reference services and collaborative networks, there is a clear need for defined standards in order to ensure service quality and interoperable technology. A number of efforts have been developed to identify standards in these areas.

The applications of various web services for libraries, impacts of internet connectivity, and recommendations for future library involvement are described in this book. It is designed for students and professionals in the field of library and information science." (jacket