DIGITAL LIBRARIES AND EDUCATION

In a relatively short period of time, spanning not more than a decade or so, digital libraries became a global phenomenon, characterized by an accelerated, explosive growth.
Digital libraries are a subject of great many activities worldwide. These include research and development (R&D) on many fronts, diverse practical applications, continuing innovation, policy formulations, management changes, and more. A number of fields are involved, among the most prominent being computer science, information science, and librarianship. A number of governmental organizations, national and international associations, academic institutions, and even commercial enterprises are actively involved with digital libraries.
Considerable funds are spent on research in digital libraries, drawing a large population of researchers (worldwide probably some thousand or more) to concentrate on various topics. Even more funds are spent on practical applications in building a variety of digital library collections, components and service.
The education for digital libraries has not received the same amount of attention as research, development and practical applications. Many institutions are teaching digital libraries, or beginning to, and struggling with this relatively new and volatile educational area. Such struggle at Rutgers University led to establishment of D-Lib Edu. The purpose of D-Lib Edu is to enhance pursuit of excellence in education in digital libraries by providing a rich assortment of relevant resources accessible to all. It is oriented not only toward students trying to learn, but also toward professionals, researchers, and educators trying to learn more and keep up.
The objectives are to:

• Establish a mechanism by which individuals can provide, share, and use up-to-date information and materials about educational offerings in digital libraries at different institutions.
• Act as a medium through which institutions can establish cooperation in educational offerings in digital libraries.
• Provide students with an insight into educational choices and opportunities, and an ability to access a variety of educational materials and links.
• Promote direct and active cooperation and links between research and practice in digital libraries on the one hand, and education in the subject, on the other hand.
• Work toward developing of educational models for different levels and needs in digital library education, and toward educational standards and benchmarks.