Time for a change: new approaches for a new generation of library users

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to offer some insight into changes that are occurring in the expectations and behaviour of researchers seeking scholarly information and the ways in which libraries and vendors are addressing these changes in light of the availability of Web 2.0 technologies. Design/methodology/approach The paper investigates current trends in information seeking, defines and describes factors that contribute to an up‐to‐date, user‐centric library experience, and examines the movement of vendors and libraries toward such a library experience. Findings The paper identifies aspects of new library interfaces that attempt to satisfy the needs of today's information seekers and describes a new approach for creating a user experience layer for library collections. The Primo® discovery and delivery system from Ex Libris serves as an example of a library interface that was designed in light of this new approach. Originality/value As more organisations become concerned about the decreasing use of their library collections, this paper suggests ways in which libraries can adapt to the changing user expectations and maintain the relevance of their collections and services for today's information seekers.