This collection contains papers presented at a conference on current issues concerning research libraries and digital information. It includes eight papers, one introductory chapter and an index. Harold Billings, director of General Libraries at The University of Texas at Austin, discusses the elements for building a relational digital library with a global audience. Mary Jackson of the Associate of Research Libraries presents some interesting questions about the role for interlibrary loan and document delivery in the digital environment. Anthony Ferguson of Columbia University shares his experiences in acquiring digital book collections, electronic journals and free Web resources. Kit Kennedy, director of Academic Sales at Blackwell’s Information Services, brings in the perspectives on content, format and service of the digital library as seen by a publishing industry vendor.
Paul Gherman, university librarian at Vanderbilt University, makes suggestions about how the traditional library can become a better service provider with effective management of physical resources and digital collections. Suzan McGinnis from Texas Tech University Libraries presents an overview of some central concerns about building digital collections such as e‐journal packages, pricing structures, print copies, and consortial agreements. Joan Giesecke, Dean of University Libraies at the University of Nebraska, and library staff Beth McNeil and Gina Minks, present their experiences in creating an electronic text center at the University of Nebraska. John Secord and David Swords, both executives with YBP Library Services, discuss how new approaches for vendors and libraries can improve communication and produce better services for libraries.
Overall, the papers presented in this book are a good representation of the major issues confronting academic libraries and publishers in the digital environment. These are recommended reading to those interested in the changing field of electronic publishing.
