Exploring the role of digital academic libraries: Changing student needs demand innovative service approach

The purpose of this paper is to argue that in order to remain a dynamic and important part of the university, academic librarians must embrace change and create digital libraries that offer innovative reference services and other cutting edge digital products such as podcasting and wikis.

An examination of current research in the field.

America Online Instant Messenger (AOL IM) has the potential to be used for reference chat, and more scholarship should be done in this area. Wikis and podcasting also have the potential to innovate service. Focused efforts through scholarship and implementation of new technological tools will ensure that librarians remain dynamic in the creation of digital libraries.

An in‐depth discussion of podcasting, wikis, and virtual reference in the context of the academic library.