----------------------------Original message---------------------------- The NSF is planning to replace librarians. Much recent funding of projects is aimed at that very plan. This is not paranoia on my part. I was told that by an officer of the NSF at a conference last spring. Upon learning I am a librarian, the man said that NSF funded research was going to replace librarians soon so they wouldn't be needed anymore. He then went on and on about research funded here at the U of U that was making major progress in that direction. NSF, with ARPA and NASA are now accepting proposals for up to 6 research projects to receive up to $1.2 million per year for projects of up to 4 years in duration to design and build digital libraries. DO NOT BE FOOLED INTO THINKING THIS CAN'T BE ACHEIVED. It IS being achieved AND with very limited (if any) librarian involvement. And what I have seen scares the beans out of me because of the lack of librarian involvement. The classic CS mistakes are very prevalent. If anyone is interested in receiving a copy of the resquest for proposals (RFP), I'll be happy to pass it on through personal e-mail. I would have posted it here already, but I wasn't sure how many of you received it through other lists. I defer to those wiser than I to determine if the RFP should be posted here. Debra Lords [log in to unmask] Marriott Library University of Utah Salt Lake City, Utah 84112