Introduction to Digital Libraries

New technology is changing the ways we create, access and use information. The design and development of digital libraries depend on computer, communication and other technical skills. Successful digital libraries leading to a global digital environment can only happen when enough practitioners have the skills to design, build and manage them. This a holistic view of the global digital library scene covers: the nature and growth of digital libraries, the technological infrastructure, digital library collections, digitization and document management, organization of digital information, information retrieval, users, interfaces and user-centered digital libraries, issues summary, archiving and preservation, services and social issues, evaluation, and the impact of digital libraries on the information professions are discussed in detail. An invaluable text for both students and practioners.