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016 Journal of Library Science in China, Vol.10, 2018

satisfied. We should not be self-contented with enlarging library buildings and collection, and not
rely on our traditional familiar way such as library visiting. We should get rid of tunnel thinking
and path dependence. In line with benchmarks in technologies today and tomorrow, we should
proceed from the weakness, make up the gaps in knowledge services, improve the availability of
knowledge discovery and utilization, and keep abreast of the flourishing of the new knowledge era.
Accordingly, we need to rethink the foundation of work, including open computable big data
(self-built, collaboratively organized and open linked), thorough understanding of knowledge
structure, organization and computing as well as methods, techniques and tools of data mining,
information analysis and knowledge discovery. In addition, we need to develop the ability to
interact with users in their application process and the knowledge service chain from data to
information, knowledge, intelligence and solution.
Accordingly, we need to accelerate the open information environment. We should organize
and supply open knowledge organization system, knowledge analytics computing tools, training
of knowledge computing and analytics, data analytics, and services of knowledge discovery and
intelligent decision. Resources, methods, tools, space and services should be open to support the
public’s innovative utilization and knowledge creation.
Accordingly, we need to change the thinking and behaving modes centered on the library and
its collection. We should advance open access of knowledge, support the opening and sharing
of knowledge tools, the connection and mergence of knowledge resources (including users,
commercial institutions, social organizations and communities, etc.), open services of knowledge
tools and development of service capabilities. Thus, we will play the role of guaranteeing basic
services, promoting public policies, coordinating open standards, enabling customization and
supervising public interest.
There is no denying that the library still has a long way to go to provide the aforementioned
services. For one thing, breakthrough can be made in key research institutions and universities.
Through transformation, we can establish knowledge service mechanisms suitable for demands and
status of these institutions. For another, we should realize that the large number of librarians can be
both innovative resources and heavy load in transformation. However, the risk of development in
traditional way is not less than innovation. In the innovation cycle, usually the pioneers and early
followers can be winners, not to mention competition from the third party. Therefore, changes are
always underway and we have no way out. We have to take the new benchmark to make efforts.
Moreover, the history of the library is that of making full advantage of technological development,
and of elevating service abilities and contributions. New technological reforms provide us with
more potentials and resources, and we ought to succeed.

References

ACRL Research Planning and Review Committee. (2017). ACRL environment scan 2015. Retrieved