Library strategies for the Information Society

Strategic planning and policy-making for the Information Society is being explored on many levels, from the all-encompassing global perspective of the G7 nations down through continent-wide strategies such as those of the European Union following the Bangemann proposals, the strategies of national governments, local authorities and individual organisations including libraries. The need for a strategic approach can be seen at every level, creating a hierarchy of strategies. Examples of some national government strategies for the Information Society are published on the Internet and the strategies of local government, commercial organisations and other public organisations are worth examining for the lessons to be drawn by libraries. Some national, public and university libraries have developed their own strategies which provide useful models for others. There are differences in the approach of libraries in the USA, the UK and in various European countries. The survival of libraries in the Information Society is by no means certain but libraries have an opportunity to develop their own role by formulating clear, coherent strategies for the future.