Access vs. Ownership: Do We Have to Make a Choice?

Abstract

The library profession is currently facing a dilemma that could ultimately impact the future of libraries and librarianship. In this rapidly changing age of technology, the traditional view of libraries as “warehouses of information” is being challenged by the more modern view of them as “providers of access to information.” A conflict has emerged between those in the profession who believe ownership of information is most important and those who believe access to information is most important. It would seem that every library must make a choice between the two. However, there is a third option that could possibly satisfy everyone as well as ensure that libraries continue to be viable and important information centers in the future. This is the “access and ownership” view.