Services in digital
libraries
Following functions?
Following new capabilities?
© Tefko Saracevic, Rutgers University
1
Traditionally, major
library functions
• COLLECTION
– selection & acquisition of
information resources
• following criteria & policies
• ORGANIZATION
– intellectual representation
– processing
– physical arrangements
© Tefko Saracevic, Rutgers University
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major functions ...
• HOUSING COLLECTIONS
• ACCESS PROVISION
– locating, obtaining items in the
collection
• intellectually, physically
• PRESERVATION
• PROFESSIONAL FUNCTIONS
– e.g. subject bibliographies
– major in some library models
© Tefko Saracevic, Rutgers University
3
Traditionally, major
services
• Mostly followed functions
– access to library objects
• circulation, document delivery
• interlibrary loan,
• reading facilities
• reserve
– provision of information
• reference
• searching
© Tefko Saracevic, Rutgers University
4
major services ...
– dissemination
• e.g. SDI
– user specific services
• children, adults, training ...
– subject specific services
• pathways, bibliographies ...
– general
• lecture series, events ...
© Tefko Saracevic, Rutgers University
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Issues in translation
into digital libraries
• What library services can be
adopted into a digital
environment?
– what main characteristics
dictate services?
– how to do that effectively &
efficiently?
© Tefko Saracevic, Rutgers University
6
Issues in using new
capabilities
• What do digital environments
offer that is unique?
– how to translate that into new
services?
– how to do that effectively &
efficiently?
© Tefko Saracevic, Rutgers University
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New characteristics
of digital collections
• COLLECTION: Digital objects
– digitized or borne digital
– texts & other media connected
– direct searching possibilities
• ORGANIZATION
– multiple organizations &
representations possible
– relationships, linking possible
© Tefko Saracevic, Rutgers University
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characteristics ...
• HOUSING
– distributed, location could be
anywhere
• ACCESS
– local & distributed access
through network(s)
© Tefko Saracevic, Rutgers University
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DL services
• So far mostly extension from
traditional services
– horseless carriage model
– constrained by requirements to
build digital libraries first
• New services & new modes of
old services just emerging
• Next: examples
© Tefko Saracevic, Rutgers University
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access to library
objects
• direct access in library
– own or library computers
• remote access
– part open to all - most dl now
publicly accessible
– part restricted to own
community or subscription
© Tefko Saracevic, Rutgers University
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provision of information
•
•
•
•
provision of search tools
search of reference sources
search of databases
assembly of reference links
– e.g. Martindale
• reference
– online question answering
– collaborative reference
• e.g. QuestionPoint by LoC
© Tefko Saracevic, Rutgers University
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dissemination
• document delivery
– library sources
– outside sources e.g. Uncover
• electronic reserve
– delivered to library
– library assembled
• interlibrary loan
• cooperatives
© Tefko Saracevic, Rutgers University
13
user specific services
• assembly of pages specific
to user groups
– children, teens ...
• weblinks - local, national ...
– links for specific purposes
• e.g. taxes, jobs, genealogy ...
– exploring the Internet sites
• Internet connection
© Tefko Saracevic, Rutgers University
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subject specific
services
• made or assembled in a variety
of subjects & media
– e.g. American Memory, Perseus
• area coverage
– government documents (Mich),
library acquisition (Berkeley),
legislative (LoC) ...
• local, regional history sources
© Tefko Saracevic, Rutgers University
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subject ...
• subject guides, research &
reference gateways
– extension of pathways
– probably a most, innovative tool
• comprehensive subject
coverage
– NLM health information
© Tefko Saracevic, Rutgers University
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general
• training, tutorials
– on & off line
– instructional materials
• library information
– policies, instruction, pointers …
• online exhibits
• dl & other software tools
– for ftp (Berkeley, ibiblio)
© Tefko Saracevic, Rutgers University
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New DL services:
Who?
• Will they be developed by
–
–
–
–
librarians?
computer scientists?
commercial outfits?
user groups?
• All are now in the play
• Need cooperation among
various groups
© Tefko Saracevic, Rutgers University
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Commercial library
services
• Given subjects, areas
–
–
–
–
Bartleby - verse
Alibris - booksellers, collectors
AcademicInfo - education
Web Developers Virtual Library
• Reference
– Ask Jeeves & many others
© Tefko Saracevic, Rutgers University
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Conclusions
• DL services provide for
– great challenges, but also
– great opportunities to innovate
• Exploit characteristics of
digital world for services
– but link to user needs and
characteristics
• Economics play a critical role
– $$$$$$ vs. possible services
© Tefko Saracevic, Rutgers University
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© Tefko Saracevic, Rutgers University
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