4.2.2. Libraries

Over the past 20 years, the computer has become the main tool for accessing specialized knowledge and the favoured means of transmitting information. The process began with the computerization of catalogues held by libraries and large publishing houses, and with online access to documentary databases such as PASCAL.

Computerized catalogues were followed by bibliographic CD-ROMs and database-querying terminals such as Electre, and electronic text media such as Frantext, a textual databank.

The computerized library led to the electronic library, in which a digitized copy of the holdings is made available to readers from computer-aided reading stations installed in reading rooms. You will find these in the national libraries of London, Paris and Washington for instance. The digitization of holdings involves the transfer of texts, images, sound and films to electronic media. You may then consult the holdings in networks using a set of tools for querying, selecting, annotating, and on-screen editing.