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IFLA: What are Digital libraries?

10 Jul, 2019 Digital Library, Library

Digital libraries

A digital library is an online collection of digital objects, of assured quality, that are created or collected and managed according to internationally accepted principles for collection development and made accessible in a coherent and sustainable manner, supported by services necessary to allow users to retrieve and exploit the resources.

A digital library forms an integral part of the services of a library, applying new technology to provide access to digital collections. Within a digital library collections are created, managed and made accessible in such a way that they are readily and economically available for use by a defined community or set of communities.

A collaborative digital library allows public and research libraries to form a network of digital information in response to the needs of the Information Society. The systems of all partners in a collaborative digital library must be able to interoperate.

A digital library complements digital archives and initiatives for the preservation of information resources.

Mission and Goals

The mission of the digital library is to give direct access to information resources, both digital and non-digital, in a structured and authoritative manner and thus to link information technology, education and culture in contemporary library service. To fulfil this mission the following goals are pursued:

  • Supporting digitisation, access to and preservation of cultural and scientific heritage.
  • Providing access for all users to the information resources collected by libraries, while respecting intellectual property rights.
  • Creating interoperable digital library systems to promote open standards and access.
  • Supporting the pivotal role of libraries and information services in the promotion of common standards and best practices.
  • Creating awareness of the urgent need to ensure the permanent accessibility of digital material.
  • Linking digital libraries to high-speed research and development networks.
  • Taking advantage of the increasing convergence of communications media and institutional roles to create and disseminate digital content.

 

Reference: IFLA/UNESCO Manifesto for Digital Libraries