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042 Journal of Library Science in China, Vol.12, 2020
centralized way (see Figure 3). In addition, the Web scale discovery system enables the use of a
single central index and search interface, allowing the search of local library services, subscription
collections, and open access resources (Tait, Martzoukou, & Reid, 2016). Platforms such as Alma,
Primo, WMS, and World Cat can all actively identify users’ needs and make accurate and “instant”
response.
Figure 3. Evolving of the library’s collection development mode
(3) Reengineering of the library’s service process
In terms of services, libraries shall shift from “inquiry-oriented” to “utilization-oriented”, and
from “manual” service to “smart” service. We must fully explore and integrate resources and
data from all aspects to meet the diversified needs of users, uncover their underlying demands
after meeting their explicit needs, and then conduct sufficient data mining according to the their
underlying demands to build a data model, thus providing smart services for users.
In the process of service reengineering, libraries need to use big data analysis, sensors and the
AI technology to analyze the potential value of various information resources inside and outside
the library based on the new service platform, and then conduct purposeful development and
organization to transform the independent library collections, reader information and procurement
sources information, etc. into a more value-added and diversified service model, and increase the
contribution of all types of users, so as to transform the former repetitive manual actions into semi
or fully smart services.
(4) Reengineering of library staff
In 2012, Harvard University dismissed all librarians and recruited new ones. At the same time, it
announced that major changes include “the number of staff of the library will be reduced”, “some
positions will be removed, some changed, and new ones be created”. Due to the introduction of
new service platforms and smart technologies, traditional librarians who mainly provide book
loans and reference services could not adapt to the new system. Being familiar with platform
operation and technical guidance, and being able to provide users with humanistic care and