The Searchers: project outline

This report constitutes the Project Plan for The Searchers project. The Searchers examines the strategic challenges for major public libraries presented by the on-line information environment. The project has three components: research on current information-seeking and the role of public libraries in online information provision, analysis of wider developments in online environments and search models, and evaluation of the policy and strategic implications for public libraries highlighted by the research. The project will provide guidance for the State Library of Victoria in developing appropriate models of information provision and contribute new thinking on the role and position of major libraries in the digital age.