Building a Digital Library in Support of Distance Learning

Abstract

In this paper we will describe the University of Massachusetts System libraries' efforts to offer services and information to our students and broader user communities through the creation of a shared digital library. The digital library delivers a library and its services anytime, anyplace, and in any medium. The new UMass Digital Library complements the existing bricks-and-mortar libraries, by maximizing the provision of services and resources through collaborative measures to our growing distance learning community. Each of the major components that went into the development of the digital library are detailed, including extended reference service, developing shared collections, Web site development, and the technical aspects necessary to make everything work together.

Key Words:

• Technology
• distance education
• distance learners
• information resources