D-Lib Magazine · 1998 · 142 citations · 0 references
Library DesignInformation RetrievalElib ProgramAlgorithmic LibraryE-servicesHybrid LibraryDesignManagementEducationData IntegrationProgram EvaluationComputer ScienceTechnologyHybrid Library PromisesSystem SoftwareLibrary ScienceData Modeling
Early stages of the UK Electronic Libraries Program (eLib) show that achievements often differ from initial expectations, but emerging lessons are becoming apparent. The article reflects on lessons learned from eLib and argues that a hybrid library is a logical next step. The discussion is based on personal experience working with eLib projects over three years, supplemented by the program’s formal evaluation component. The authors conclude that institutions should remain central to digital library activities and that hybrid libraries can provide the integrated services users require.
Achievements in research programs are seldom what was envisaged at the start. It is still too early to judge the success or failure of the first phases of the UK Electronic Libraries Program (eLib), as several projects are still not completed. Despite this, some lessons learned are becoming apparent. In this article I reflect on a little of what has been learned, and to explore some of the implications. The eLib program has a heavy evaluation component, but the views expressed here are personal, deriving as much from living and working with the projects for the last three years as from any formal evaluations at this stage. From these reflections I look forward briefly to the latest phase of eLib. My aim is to argue for the concept of the hybrid library as a logical follow on from current developments. Institutions should remain an important focus for digital library activities, and users in those institutions require the sort of integration of digital library services which the hybrid library promises.