Many elements of the hybrid library already exist where ever paper-based information resources are offered alongside electronic information resources and services. However, it is integration of these resources which is crucial to the complete realisation of the hybrid library, enabling more seamless access for our customers.
Projects aimed at developing working models of the hybrid library are underway.
This paper aims to report on one such eLib project and goes on to consider the impact of the hybrid library on the roles of library and information services staff in the academic sector. It is developing a working model of the hybrid library within both a teaching and research context and aims to seamlessly integrate access to a wide range of printed and electronic information resources, local and remote, using a Web-based interface. A single point of registration for one common username and password will be developed, allowing access to a range of information and computing services. It describes information resources and enables access to that information. The aim is to provide a high-level metadata system to assist customers in identifying relevant information resources.