FROM A LOCAL AND CLOSED TO AN INTERNATIONAL AND VIRTUAL LIBRARY - A CASE-REPORT

One of the main challenges faced by libraries is to present their serv ices and holdings to patrons in a truly professional and user-friendly way. The standard library software available does not usually adapt t o new technology as quickly as library users and staff would like. How ever, such limitations need not be accepted. By thinking in Terms of s mall-scale, incremental development and by using general computer soft ware, an ambitious library can create a technologically up-re-date inf ormation browsing instrument even though finances and resources are li mited. This paper describes the strategic and technological steps invo lved in such a process.