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The World Wide Web: A New Medium for Professional Communications
Eric H. Schnell, M.L.S.
Webspace
Webspace is an allocation of space on a Web server where a librarian can write,
store, and distribute a range of Internet-related resources, documents, and services.
This work space can be used to communicate biographical information, professional
activities, research interests, and publication history. For example, a librarian involved
with a rare book digitizing project could use Webspace to publish working documents
and Web projects in progress. A librarian developing a subject-specific Internet
pathfinder can also make the resource on his or her Webspace available not only for
local use, but also to anyone with Web access. Drafts of working documents can be
placed in Webspace directories so they can be read and edited by other participants.
Ultimately, the potential uses for personal Webspace are left to the creativity and skills
of the librarian.
Webspace can also be viewed as a computerized whiteboard to facilitate
collaboration on larger scale projects. This is especially true if a project involves a
group of individuals who live in different geographic areas. A project's working
documents and technical white papers can be placed on any of the participants'
personal Webspace for the others to access. If project members are looking to obtain
outside funding, Web technology provides the ability to setup prototypes and
demonstration projects with minimal resources.
It is becoming commonplace for a library position announcement to include a URL in
the job posting, which directs potential applicants to a Web site containing information
about the library. Librarians seeking a position can also use their Webspace as a
marketing tool. Broadcasting a job query URL on the Internet would not be proper
professional etiquette, however, referring to a personal URL in an application letter
would seem appropriate. A short biographical page containing background information,
an online resume, and links to any Web documents authored by the applicant could be
an advantage in the screening process. If nothing else, the inclusion of a personal
URL on a vitae or cover letter can highlight the ability to write and organize a Web
document.
Libraries must address administrative issues such as how to provide librarians with
personal disk space, policies regarding security, and appropriate uses of computing
resources. Although having a Web server on every librarian's workstation may be an
unrealistic goal, it should be possible to provide direct access to disk space on a
centralized Web server. The goal should be to provide librarians with complete
autonomy in the development and maintenance of professional Web activities.
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The text of this article is published by The Haworth Press, Inc. (10
Alice Street, Binghamton, New York 13905-1580) in IRSQ: Internet Reference Services Quarterly (The Journal of
Innovative Information Practice, Technologies, and Resources) Vol. 1, Issue 4 (1996), Lyn Elizabeth Martin,
Editor-in-Chief.
Page URL: http://bones.med.ohio-state.edu/eric/papers/irsq/webspace.html