NEW ROLE, IMPORTANCE AND PROSPECTS OF LOCAL HISTORY FUNDS IN TNE INTERNET AGE AND DIGITALIZATION OF LIBRARY MATERIAL

Text topic: E-Libraries

Text author: Дејан Вукићевић

This paper presents local history funds of municipal libraries from the aspect of digitization of library materials. Automated processing of library material and the introduction of machine readable formats created a revolution, like Gutenberg or industry revolution. Libraries were forced to be quick and agile in engagement in new forms of communication – using electronic mail, posting Web sites and blogs, Internet advertising. It was soon followed by the reaction of users spread around the world, and it was obvious that the advantages are indisputable. The next problem to overcome was how to make information accessible to everyone under equal conditions, and then the first step was done which we call digitization and presentation of the library, archives, museum materials etc. According to Simoni Resman, libraries of the future are hybrid; they combine what we call library in classical sense, that is shelves of books, with new virtual library. In the paper attention is also devoted to the requirements, benefits and importance of digitization.