© Tefko Saracevic, Rutgers University1 Services in digital libraries Following functions? Following new capabilities?

© Tefko Saracevic, Rutgers University2 Traditionally, major library functions COLLECTION –selection & acquisition of information resources following criteria & policies ORGANIZATION –intellectual representation –processing –physical arrangements

© Tefko Saracevic, Rutgers University3 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 University4 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 University5 major services... –dissemination e.g. SDI –user specific services children, adults, training... –subject specific services pathways, bibliographies... –general lecture series, events...

© Tefko Saracevic, Rutgers University6 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 University7 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 University8 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 University9 characteristics... HOUSING –distributed, location could be anywhere ACCESS –local & distributed access through network(s)

© Tefko Saracevic, Rutgers University10 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 University11 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 University12 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 University13 dissemination document delivery –library sources –outside sources e.g. Uncover electronic reserve –delivered to library –library assembled interlibrary loan cooperatives

© Tefko Saracevic, Rutgers University14 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 University15 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 University16 subject... subject guides, research & reference gateways –extension of pathways –probably a most, innovative tool comprehensive subject coverage –NLM health information

© Tefko Saracevic, Rutgers University17 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 University18 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 University19 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 University20 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 University21