Virtualization and Libraries: The Future is Now (or Virtualization: Whither Libraries or Libraries Wither?)

摘要

The term virtualization has been receiving a greatdeal of press lately, both in the context of theconsolidation of information technology resourcesand in reference to a change in one's normal everydaylife. The latter case, often encapsulated by the term"virtual reality," evokes science-fiction and fantasyelements from books, films, and especially videogames, while the former case is more down to earthand usually focuses on economics. Libraries andlibrarians will have an expanding role in the futurebased on the marriage of these concepts and theirimpact on higher education.