Instant, cultural and infinite: the evolution of search and discovery tools (notes from FSR 2014)

Abstract

Today, libraries are facing major changes in the so-called information society, as well as in their patrons’ information needs. That’s why it is necessary to call into question the catalog and its services, focusing on bibliographic data, on their (current and future) users, and on the ways these data can be treated, used and disseminated – yet safeguarding the catalog identity despite all its transformations. On this very theme, the scientific forum FSR 2014 has been full of innovative ideas.
Aim of the conference was to understand if the search and discovery tools developed so far are still useful, and if (and how) they need to evolve: at present library services and information professionals can still compete with the Internet in the dissemination of good and reliable information, but all the principles and standards that were built over the centuries could become obsolete at any moment. Scholars and professionals from all over the world illustrated the state of the art in their own countries by describing innovative experiences, and proved themselves willing to pursue change and innovation as well as to share their achievements with other professionals – according to the principles of good research.