Digital libraries: future potentials and challenges

Four broad area for future development in the digital library environment are identified and explored. The presentation and display of information is linked to interface design issues and the types of data and services that might be made available. The challenge of organizing resources and services into virtual collections, often based on vendor, product name, or levels of bibliographic access, is considered. Issues concerning the technical architecture of library systems and data are described, including multi‐tiered architecture, broadcast search capabilities, and support for a growing diversity of data formats. Rights management and access controls related to resource integrity and user security are discussed.