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 struggels ar 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.
D-Lib
Edu is a collaborative effort. It is also a continuous effort, a
permanent work in progress. Contributions are invited. Evaluations
are invited. Directories of new web links are invited. Contact Tefko
Saracevic at Rutgers University.
Finally, a not on organization. An assortment of web links, all
evaluated, are provided. They are grouped by various topics as shown
in the directory below. Short commentary is included. Some topics
also include a general introduction. More topics are in preparation
and will be added over time.
Contributions bu students in class on Digital Libraries at Rutgers
Univeristy are gratefully acknowledged.
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