Electronic versions of case law, legislation and journal articles are plentiful. Patrons either prefer online resources, says Mr. Tjaden, or are just as comfortable using these resources as traditional material. Mr. Tjaden believes that with the tremendous amount of information available, it is even more essential that librarians help library patrons to locate, synthesize and compile information. Ironically, part of that assistance may consist of electronic solutions. An increasing amount of library research is accomplished remotely.
Patrons log on to library Web sites through phone lines and networked offices.
According to Don Sanders, it does not. Mr. Sanders notes an increasing desire for group work. Even in the microlab, says Mr. Sanders, there is plenty of human interaction occurring as students discuss projects. The library, explains Mr. Sanders, is still a place where people go to discuss their research needs. As more and more technology has infiltrated library terrain, librarian roles have expanded to encompass training on how to use these new, and evolving resources.