New technologies are making information more fluid, but what does this mean for information providers? Without a doubt, it means that traditional roles are evolving and that the task of providing information demands greater expertise in exploiting new technologies and navigating their uncharted ebbs and flows of information.

This volume examines the practice, benefits, and specific methods for assessing library users' information needs in any type of library. This needs assessment can be defined as the process of using one or more techniques to collect and analyze data regarding library users or potential users. The guide includes the methodology and techniques for carrying out needs assessment projects, ranging from short-term assessments to long-term research or comprehensive collection assessments. The types of data, techniques, and methodology are described, as are associated pointers and pitfalls.