Research is the basis of a collaborative solution for academic libraries: the Victorian Academic Digital Library (VADL)

The CAVAL member libraries believe that the major issue confronting libraries at the start of the new millennium is collection development. These libraries have been committed to the achievement of VADL for the past 12 months. VADL will be a digital library which will be shared and yet reflect the discipline interests of the member universities. VADL has established a range of research into the shape and extent of existing collections within Victoria. This paper highlights the path taken by these libraries, how their response differs from the American experience, and how collaboration is achieved through a new service model.