With the proliferation of information available on the Internet, the need for skilled librarians to guide users in accessing electronic resources has become increasingly critical. The library profession is changing to emphasize the librarian's role as team leader, project manager, and coordinator. Collaborative skills are increasingly important. Institutional collaboration has become a major force in collection development and resource sharing. Consortial purchasing of electronic resources allows libraries to extend their buying power.
Linked catalogs allow users to borrow directly from other libraries with only a few days turnaround.
Conversion to new online catalogs or updating existing ones is now a mature process. Library staff expertise and level of comfort with automated systems is increasing. The complexity of the Web and of new and rapidly developing modes of scholarly communication will require libraries to take a leadership role in the development of digital libraries. Plus BioOne initiative are two examples of innovative programs to control spiraling journal costs and provide library expertise and resources in collaborative electronic publishing ventures. The nature of scholarly communication is changing, becoming more collaborative and electronic.