Creating the virtual/digital library of the future

Developments in information technology, telemedicine and consumer health combined with the dynamic Texas Medical Center environment have created an opportunity and imperative for a major leap forward in creating a Library for the Future. This paper discusses the strategic plans undertaken by the Houston Academy of Medicine-Texas Medical Center Library to create a virtual library environment to support access to electronic resources. The Library developed a five year Knowledge Management Program to improve access to biomedical information, support informatics education for health sciences professionals, and provide electronic information services to the community. The five objectives of this program are discussed