The virtual library tours

Abstract

The virtual tours make the new type of library information products borrowed from the tourist and museum practice. The author examines theoretical aspects of designing a virtual tour: Its essential components, tour types, technologies to be used. Qualitative features which allow to expect their rapid growth and implementation in many spheres, in particular, in libraries, are revealed. Library virtual tours are specified and characterized based on the study of different types of libraries. For this purpose, the www-sites of 236 libraries were reviewed. Significant divergence in interpreting the term of “virtual tour” in the museum and library spheres is revealed. The most popular technologies of designing such tours are described. The key objects of the library virtual tours are discussed, i. e. library’s history and current situation, individual divisions, or the most valuable units (old manuscripts, rare collections, etc.).