The Libraries have adopted standard hardware and software platforms in order to maximize the budget for technology purchases. Student ownership of computers is desirable for those who can afford them. However, a student's success at the University of Saskatchewan should not be handicapped by lack of a personal computer. The University has an obligation to provide adequate space in computer labs offering access to computers, applications software and email services for those who cannot afford or who choose not to invest in a personal computer. If this issue is not addressed the University could begin to lose its competitive advantage in relation to other educational institutions.
Electronic publishing promises the potential for easy access to an expanded universe of information.
However, the electronic publishing marketplace is currently in a state of chaos. It is dispersed and dis-aggregated. This presents problems of interoperability, multiple user interfaces, and magnifies workload, training, authentication and security issues. As yet there are no significant cost savings by converting to electronic information sources. In time it is likely that journal publishers and subscription agents will offer electronic access to individual articles from their databases at a unit price or negotiated annual fee.