The Digital Library

Introduction

Project Activities

Brief Summary:
Goals:
1. To better understand through research some of the basic questions underlying the development and use of digital libraries.

2. To foster the development of digital libraries and sharing in the Indian context.

Distinguishing Features:
   The focus of this project -- digital libraries -- is critical for large-scale education in developing economies.
   This is a cross-national approach to digital libraries.
   It combines both research and demonstration with the latter goal focused on stimulating the diffusion of digital libraries in India.

Deliverables:
Research:
In year one some of the research deliverables will include:
   Research conference on digital libraries and related publications.
   Identification of 2-3 research projects.

In year two we would expect:
   Annual briefings on results from research projects for educational and government constituencies.

Demonstration:
From the demonstration project we would expect in year one:
   Access to a collaborative database on library resources within VCTEL.
   Initial scanning of dissertations.
   Initial evaluations of benefits and costs.

In year two we would:
   Continue the scanning and presentation of dissertations.
   Initiate scanning of special collections.
   Conduct workshop on digital libraries in India.
   Evaluate benefits and costs of digitals libraries.