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Defining a digital library

Article Information:

Title:

Defining a digital library

Author(s):

Michael Seadle, Elke Greifeneder

Journal:

Library Hi Tech

Year:

2007

Volume:

25

Issue:

2

Page:

169 - 173


ISSN:

0737-8831


DOI:

10.1108/07378830710754938

Publisher:

Emerald Group Publishing Limited

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Abstract:

Purpose – This editorial seeks to examine the definition of a “digital library” to see whether one can be constructed that usefully distinguishes a digital library from other types of electronic resources.

Design/methodology/approach – The primary methodology compares definitions from multiple settings, including formal institutional settings, working definitions from articles, and a synthesis created in a seminar at Humboldt University in Berlin.

Findings – At this point, digital libraries are evolving too fast for any lasting definition. Definitions that users readily understand are too broad and imprecise, and definitions with more technical precision quickly grow too obscure for common use.

Originality/value – A functional definition of a digital library would add clarity to a burgeoning field, especially when trying to evaluate a resource. The student perspective provides a fresh look at the problem.

Keywords:

Digital libraries, Electronic media, Germany, Internet


Article URL:

http://www.emeraldinsight.com/10.1108/07378830710754938

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