The Role of a Virtual Library in the Coming Decades

摘要

This paper consists of the keynote address presented by Dr. Narlikar,distinguished and renowned scholar and founder-director of the Inter-University Centrefor Astronomy and Astrophysics. Dr. Narlikar critically examines the nature of libraryand information centers of the past and future through anecdote, example, and philo-sophical examination. He discusses the synergies between astronomical research andlibrary science, speculates on the future of authenticity in a web-based environment anddescribes the futuristic "virtual library."