The library mainly collects electronic publications generated by large-capacity electronic storage technology. Different from printed publications, it does not use paper as a carrier, and has the advantages of small size, low price and convenient information acquisition.
② Readers can only use these electronic publications through computers or terminals, such as reading first-class literature, second-class literature, third-class literature and video materials through the display screen.
(3) The documents (including first-class documents) and materials that readers need can be printed or stored on personal storage carriers, and the traditional manual borrowing and returning methods no longer exist.
(4) Due to the above characteristics of electronic publications, each library can use electronic publications of other libraries and information retrieval service systems through computer networks in addition to its own electronic publications, and the concept of libraries has changed from individuals to groups.
⑤ Libraries play an intermediary role between readers and computer retrieval departments, and the service modes of libraries are more diverse, and information retrieval and reference services will be in a more important position.
The duties and functions of librarians will change greatly. They will devote more energy to providing information services for readers, such as serving as consultants, carrying out reader education and information analysis, helping readers to establish problem files, sorting out personal electronic documents and providing the latest information sources. Librarians will become information professionals or information experts in certain disciplines. At present, some developed countries have initially presented some characteristics of electronic libraries. It can be predicted that with the development of modern science and technology, the future library will appear with a brand-new and highly modern look.