Michael Dula recently began his appointment as chief technology
officer for the Yale University Library, which is one of the
largest university libraries in North America. In this newly
created role, he will develop a technology strategy for the
University’s 18 different libraries, which house over 12.5
million volumes. Dula recently talked with YaleNews about how
libraries are adapting to the digital age. Here’s one exchange
from the discussion. What is the role of the physical library in
the digital age? Admittedly, there is a vast amount of
information available online. However, the physical library
continues to be relevant, since it meets the demand for a quiet
place to focus, study, and do research. Also, modern libraries
complement digital information, since a big part of what
libraries do is purchase electronic resources to make them
available to our patrons for free. Although a lot of information
is free online, it is not necessarily accurate and complete
information. Librarians are well suited to hel