Electronic libraries, digital libraries, virtual libraries and hybrid libraries have been some of the buzzwords in the library and information literature for quite sometimes now. Even in less developed countries like India use of these terms in the professional literature has been noticed. Special issues of journals in developing countries have also appeared on the topic, e.g., in India, DESIDOC Bulletin of Information Technology 17, no. 6, November 1997 issue is a special issue devoted to Digital Libraries. In India, mechanisms and systems visualizing these have started, though very few in number and at early stages of development. Advances in computing technologies, communication technologies and other enabling technologies, and their widespread use in many sectors in developing countries like India has put library and information professionals, particularly the more informed ones in terms of service attitude, in a state of dilemma. This dilemma is of choosing between working for improvement of library and information services through conventional resources (print-based) and to some extent through the automated library systems on the one hand, and working towards setting up state-of-the-art electronic or digital libraries on the other. This dilemma is similar to, rather than a part of the catch-22 situation faced by most of the developing economies. 1 This is the situation where pressures for resource sharing and networking are being felt by library and information professionals, and to some extent by library authorities as well. This again is largely due to forces of globalization and liberalization now manifesting in a less developed country like India. Before I discuss digital library scenario, a bird's eye view at the librarianship and information work in India is necessary.

Discusses the emergence of bioinformatics in the last three decades as a result of the convergence of networks and genetics. Though a variety of definitions and descriptions of bioinformatics are available, a cross-disciplinary definition eludes. The paper emphasizes that the core activities of library and information science can be of immense value in advancing the theoretical foundations of this emerging subject, as well as developing the mechanisms and tools for quality biomedical information in a timely manner. The creation, management, and dissemination of biomedical knowledge and information for both specialists and for laymen is a challenge and an opportunity for library and information professionals to broaden their professional horizons and to generate new knowledge in the process.

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