Less Books, not Bookless

As the Stanford Engineering Library nears the completion of its move into new facilities, so does its transition from a print-based library into an econtent-based one. According to an article published by the Library Journal, the library has removed more than 85% of its print collection (about 98,000 books and journals) to offsite storage facility. In addition to e-books, the library is going electronic in other ways as well. New iPhone apps, digital bulletin boards, touch-screen kiosks, and an improved online course management system will all help to enhance a student’s library experience. Furthermore, students will be able to access a growing body of scientific databases and ebooks through xSearch, which was co-developed by Deep Web Technologies and Stanford. Seen as part of the phenomenon of “bookless” libraries, the digitization of the extensive Stanford Engineering Library collection testifies to the increasing integration of technology into academic research. While some resistance to this shift in the library experience does exist among users, there is no denying that the digital age has dramatically altered the role of the library in the educational process.