This usability study examines how students use electronic research libraries such as Questia, which has been designed to replace traditional libraries, and compares it with large university library Web sites. Suggests that design features incorporated by Web site designers can drastically affect the success of students doing research. (Author/LRW)

Discusses XML, how it has transformed the way information is managed and delivered, and its impact on libraries. Topics include how XML differs from other markup languages; the document object model (DOM); style sheets; practical applications for archival materials, interlibrary loans, digital collections, and MARC data; and future possibilities.…

Using the example of the Virtual Library of Virginia, describes how library consortia are in a state of transformation as technology enables the development of virtual libraries while expanding opportunities for sharing printed works. (EV)

Presents plan of Oregon State University Libraries to convert all paper documents from the Ava Helen and Linus Pauling archives to digital format. The scope, goals, tasks and objectives set by the project coordinators are outlined, and issues such as protection of equipment, access, copyright and management are discussed. (JKP)

Examines the future of the book publishing industry in an electronic environment and presents new production and distribution strategies publishers and bookstores could use to decrease risk and increase profit. The author argues for electronic books and publications, showing how they will benefit readers, libraries, and publishers. (KRN)

Discusses copyright issues that arise when creating digital archives. Highlights include public-domain material; fair use of copyrighted works; uncertain copyright status; cooperative projects; acquiring or accessing digital archives; and copyright for works the library digitizes. (LRW)

Considers whether libraries are artifact-bound institutions and therefore will be replaced as the dominant technology for information communication moves from tangible objects to electronic bits on a network. Topics include what libraries are for; libraries as information subsidy; subsidies for networked information; and the digital library as…

Introduces content locality--the degree to which content-similar documents are colocated in a distributed collection--in distributed digital libraries. Proposes two metrics for measurement of content locality, one based on topic signatures and the other based on collection statistics. Provides derivations and analysis of both metrics and uses them…

Describes the Open Journal project, funded by the United Kingdom Electronic Libraries (eLib) program. Discusses aspects of publishing being transformed by the World Wide Web; Open Journal demonstrators and linking features and types; user responses; building better open journals; and post-project application plans of publishers. (Author/AEF)

Describes the development of electronic finding aids for archives at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign that used XML (extensible markup language) and EAD (encoded archival description) to enable more flexible information management and retrieval than using MARC or a relational database management system. EAD template is appended.…

Discusses the digitization of culturally significant library materials based on evaluations at the Council on Library and Information Resources. Highlights include a definition of digital information; preservation questions, including authenticity and integrity; access to information, including the World Wide Web and copyright issues; and digital…

Discusses how to support effective interaction of users with heterogeneous and distributed information resources in a digital library environment. Compares usability, user preference, effectiveness, and searching behaviors in systems that implement interaction with multiple databases through a common interface, and with multiple databases as if…

Discusses future possibilities that libraries must consider in a digital information age. Topics include how the Internet has transformed the way people look for information; the need for better Web search engines; electronic publishing; and an information infrastructure that supports the delivery of digital objects and 24-hour reference service.…

This interview with Stephen M. Griffin, program manager of the Digital Libraries Initiative at the National Science Foundation, discusses the terms "electronic library,""digital library," and "library of the future"; electronic access and intellectual access; implementation and social effects of digital libraries; the…

Discusses technical services as a reader service in academic libraries and suggests that the successful implementation of digital libraries needs a systems approach that crosses functional and administrative boundaries. Describes the need for the integration of technical services with other reader services and explains forces pushing for and…