| One of the many challenges in libraries today is to preserve its traditional strengths while integrating technology. Libraries in contemporary society are being changed by the manner in which digital technology organizes knowledge in the information age. This study examines the existing book paradigm in libraries and the shift towards the digital paradigm within the academic library.; The researcher used the paradigm model developed by Thomas Kuhn (1968) in his book The Structure of Scientific Revolutions. Kuhn argues that a paradigm is a set of assumptions that underlie the I earning process used to prepare one for membership in a particular community. This community or profession is committed to the same rules and standards of practice because of these underlying assumptions. In librarianship, the parameters and rules are changing, due to this paradigm shift and the basic assumptions of a service-oriented profession are being revised.; The purpose of this dissertation is to seek an understanding of the role played by the professional librarian relative to managing knowledge in the emerging technological environment. The researcher examines the problems surrounding this paradigm shift which resulted when the professional librarian could no longer discern his or her role using only the existing book paradigm. In summary, this shift from organizing books to digitally managing knowledge is occurring as the academic community enters into the twenty-first century. |
