business plan for digital library

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Business Planning for Digital Libraries: International Approaches

In this Book

Mel Collier (ed.)
Published by: Leuven University Press

This book brings together international experience of business planning for digital libraries: the business case, the planning processes involved, the costs and benefi ts, practice and standards, and comparison with the traditional library where appropriate. Although there is a vast literature already on other aspects of digital libraries, business planning is a subject that until now has not been systematically integrated in a book.

Digital libraries are being created not only by traditional libraries, but by museums, archives, media organizations, and indeed any organization concerned with managing scientific and cultural information. Business planning for digital libraries is the process by which the business aims, products and services of the eventual system are identified, together with how the digital library service will contribute to the overall business and mission of the host organization. These provide the context and rationale, which is then combined with normal business plan elements such as technical solutions, investment, income and expenditure, projected benefi ts or returns, marketing, risk analysis, management, and governance.

Business Planning for Digital Libraries is designed for practitioners in the cultural and scientific sectors, for students in information sciences and cultural management, and in particular for people engaged in managing digital libraries and repositories, in electronic publishing and e-learning, and in teaching and studying in these fields.

Title Page, Copyright

About the authors
Framework Chapters
1. Business planning for digital libraries
2. Business model innovation in digital libraries: the cultural heritage sector
3. Digital libraries in higher education
4. Digital libraries for the arts and social sciences
5. The impact of the digital library on the planning of scientific, technical and medical libraries
Practice Chapters
6. E-journals in business planning for digital libraries
7. E-books: business planning for the digital library
8. Business planning for e-archives
9. Issues in business planning for archival collections of web materials
pp. 101-112
10. Organizing digital preservation
pp. 113-122
11. Business planning for digital repositories
pp. 123-136
12. Problems of multi-linguality
pp. 137-146
13. Business models for Open Access publishing and their effect on the digital library
pp. 147-156
14. Digital library metadata
pp. 157-164
Case Studies
15. FinELib: an important infrastructure for research
pp. 167-176
16. The digital library of Catalonia
pp. 177-184
17. Digital library development in the public library sector in Denmark
pp. 185-194
18. Digital libraries for cultural heritage: a perspective from New Zealand
pp. 195-206
19. APEnet: a model for Internet based archival discovery environments
pp. 207-218
20. The California Digital Library
pp. 219-228
21. The Oxford Digital Library
pp. 229-240

Additional Information

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Planning & Setting Up a Digital Library : Start Your Digital Library Today

Introduction: In today’s digital landscape, establishing a digital library represents a pivotal step towards organizing, preserving, and disseminating knowledge effectively. As information proliferates across various digital platforms, the need for curated and accessible repositories becomes increasingly apparent. Planning and setting up a digital library offer unparalleled opportunities to harness technology in democratizing access to information, catering to diverse audiences, and fostering innovation in research and education. From selecting suitable digital platforms to implementing robust metadata standards, every aspect of the planning process is essential in ensuring the success and sustainability of the digital library initiative. By embarking on this journey today, individuals, institutions, and organizations can leverage the power of digital technologies to create dynamic and inclusive spaces for learning, exploration, and collaboration. The time is ripe to start your digital library and embrace the transformative potential of digital knowledge dissemination in the 21st century.

1.1 What is a Digital Library?

A digital library is a curated collection of digital resources, including documents, images, audio files, videos, and other multimedia content, organized and accessible electronically. Unlike traditional libraries, which house physical books and materials, digital libraries store and provide access to their collections in digital formats, typically through online platforms or software applications. Digital libraries often employ various technologies and standards for organizing, indexing, and retrieving content, such as metadata tagging, search algorithms, and user interfaces tailored for digital access. These libraries serve various purposes, including academic research, educational support, cultural preservation, and public access to information. They offer advantages such as instant access from anywhere with an internet connection, scalability to accommodate vast collections, and the ability to integrate multimedia content for richer learning experiences.

1.2 What specific needs or gaps in information access does the digital library aim to address?

The emergence of digital libraries addresses critical needs and gaps in information access. These libraries serve as dynamic platforms to democratize knowledge by overcoming barriers such as geographical limitations, physical disabilities, and financial constraints. Digital libraries empower individuals worldwide to pursue learning, research, and innovation by providing remote access to diverse resources in various formats. They bridge the gap between traditional and digital information sources, offering timely and interactive access to up-to-date information. A digital library aims to address various needs and gaps in information access, including:

Accessibility Beyond Boundaries: One of the primary aims of digital libraries is to break down barriers to access. Geographical distance, physical disabilities, or time constraints should not hinder individuals from seeking knowledge. Digital libraries offer a solution by providing access to information remotely, whether from the comfort of one’s home, a classroom, or a remote village. This accessibility empowers individuals worldwide to pursue learning and research endeavors regardless of location or circumstances.
Preservation for Posterity: Preserving valuable resources is another critical aspect of digital libraries. Fragile manuscripts, rare books, historical documents – these treasures of human knowledge risk deterioration or loss over time. Digital libraries step in to digitize and archive such materials, ensuring their longevity and accessibility for future generations. Digital libraries preserve cultural heritage and humanity’s collective memory by digitizing these resources.
Diversity of Resources: Digital libraries offer diverse resources spanning various formats, subjects, and languages. From academic journals and research articles to historical archives and multimedia collections, digital libraries cater to a broad spectrum of interests and needs. This diversity promotes inclusivity and accommodates the preferences of a global audience, fostering cross-cultural understanding and appreciation.
Timely Access to Information: In today’s fast-paced world, staying informed about the latest developments is crucial. Digital libraries provide timely access to up-to-date information, including research findings, news articles, and multimedia content. Users can stay abreast of advancements in their fields of interest, supporting academic research, professional endeavors, and personal enrichment.
Interactivity Enhancing Engagement: Engagement is key to effective learning and research. Digital libraries enhance user engagement through interactive features such as multimedia content, advanced search functionalities, and collaborative tools. Users can explore virtual exhibitions, participate in online discussions, or utilize personalized recommendation systems, enriching their learning and research experiences.
Customization for Individual Needs: Every user is unique, with specific preferences and requirements. Digital libraries empower users to customize their information access experience according to their needs and interests. Whether selecting preferred formats, languages, or topics, users can tailor their searches and interactions, ensuring a personalized and efficient information-seeking process.
Cost-Effectiveness and Sustainability: Digital libraries offer a cost-effective and sustainable solution to information access. Unlike traditional libraries with physical infrastructure and maintenance costs, digital libraries operate primarily in the digital realm, reducing overhead expenses. Furthermore, digital resources can often be accessed at a fraction of the cost of purchasing physical copies or subscriptions, making knowledge more affordable and accessible.
Global Reach and Collaboration: Digital libraries can potentially reach a global audience, transcending geographical boundaries. Users from different parts of the world can access the same resources simultaneously, fostering international collaboration and knowledge exchange. This global reach facilitates cultural exchange, mutual understanding, and cooperation among diverse communities. Collaborative features within digital libraries, such as shared workspaces and discussion forums, further encourage collaboration among researchers, educators, and learners worldwide, fostering a rich ecosystem of knowledge sharing and co-creation.
Remote Learning Support: Particularly relevant in today’s digital learning environment, digital libraries are vital in supporting remote education initiatives. They provide educators and students access to many educational resources, including textbooks, research articles, multimedia content, and interactive learning materials. Digital libraries also facilitate remote collaboration and communication among students and instructors, enabling virtual classrooms to thrive. In regions with limited access to traditional educational resources, digital libraries are indispensable tools for promoting lifelong learning and equitable access to education.
Open Access Advocacy: Many digital libraries promote open-access principles by providing unrestricted access to their collections. Open-access digital libraries contribute to knowledge dissemination, promote scholarly communication, and support equitable access to information, particularly in underserved communities and regions with limited resources. By removing barriers such as paywalls and subscription fees, open-access digital libraries empower individuals from all walks of life to freely access and utilize scholarly research, educational resources, and cultural materials, democratizing knowledge and fostering social and economic development.

Digital libraries play a pivotal role in bridging the information gap and democratizing access to knowledge. By addressing specific needs and gaps in information access, digital libraries empower individuals, institutions, and communities to pursue learning, research, and innovation. As we navigate the complexities of the digital age, digital libraries stand as beacons of accessibility, diversity, and inclusivity, ensuring that the pursuit of knowledge knows no bounds.

1.3 Primary Purpose of a Digital Library?

The primary purpose of a digital library is to provide convenient and efficient access to many digital resources. Unlike traditional libraries, which are limited by physical space and accessibility constraints, digital libraries offer unrestricted access to information regardless of geographical location or time zone. These libraries aim to democratize knowledge by catering to diverse needs, including academic research, education, professional development, and cultural enrichment. By digitizing and organizing resources in electronic formats, digital libraries enable users to search, retrieve, and interact with information seamlessly. Moreover, they promote collaboration, innovation, and lifelong learning by facilitating the exchange of ideas and resources among users worldwide.

1.4 Key Objectives and Goals for the New Digital Library Project

Establishing a new digital library project represents a significant opportunity to unlock knowledge and empower individuals, institutions, and communities. Such projects are driven by key objectives and goals aimed at maximizing accessibility, fostering innovation, preserving cultural heritage, and promoting collaboration. A new digital library project’s key objectives and goals may vary depending on its specific context, stakeholders, and intended audience. However, common objectives and goals for such a project typically include:

Accessibility: Bridging Information Divides One of the primary objectives of digital library projects is to ensure accessibility to a diverse range of digital resources. Digital libraries empower users to access information anytime, anywhere by breaking down geographical barriers and overcoming physical constraints. This accessibility is crucial for underserved communities, remote regions, and individuals with disabilities, ensuring equitable access to knowledge for all.
Preservation: Safeguarding Cultural Heritage Preserving cultural heritage materials is a cornerstone goal of digital library projects. By digitizing and archiving valuable resources, such as historical documents, manuscripts, and multimedia materials, these projects ensure their long-term preservation and accessibility. This preservation effort honors the past, enriches the present, and inspires future generations to cherish and learn from their cultural heritage.
Innovation: Embracing Technological Advancements Digital library projects strive to embrace innovation by integrating cutting-edge technologies and features. From advanced search algorithms to immersive multimedia experiences, innovation drives engagement and fosters exploration within the digital library ecosystem. By leveraging emerging technologies, digital libraries can enhance user experiences, improve resource discovery, and stay at the forefront of the digital information landscape.
Collaboration: Fostering Knowledge Exchange Collaboration lies at the heart of digital library projects as they seek to foster partnerships and networks among users, institutions, and communities. By providing platforms for sharing resources, expertise, and best practices, digital libraries facilitate knowledge exchange and collaborative endeavors. Digital library projects can harness collective intelligence and resources through collaboration to enrich their collections and promote a culture of openness and collaboration.
Education and Research Support: Empowering Learning Supporting education and research is a fundamental goal of digital library projects. These projects empower students, educators, and researchers to pursue learning and discovery across various disciplines by providing access to scholarly journals, textbooks, research databases, and archival materials. Additionally, digital libraries offer tools and services for citation management, data analysis, and scholarly communication, further supporting education and research endeavors.
Open Access: Maximizing Impact Promoting open access principles is central to the ethos of digital library projects. These projects maximize the impact and reach of scholarly research and cultural heritage materials by providing unrestricted access to digital collections. Open access democratizes knowledge, making it accessible to all, irrespective of socioeconomic status or institutional affiliation, and promotes the global exchange of ideas and information.
User Experience: Prioritizing Ease of Use User experience (UX) is paramount in ensuring the success of digital library projects. By prioritizing intuitive design, clear navigation, and responsive interfaces, these projects enhance usability and satisfaction for users. Effective search and filtering options, personalized features, and user-friendly interfaces contribute to a positive user experience, fostering engagement and facilitating resource discovery within the digital library platform.
Sustainability: Ensuring Long-Term Viability Sustainability is key to the long-term success of digital library projects. These projects ensure their ongoing viability and impact by developing sustainable business models, securing funding sources, and establishing partnerships with stakeholders. Considerations such as scalability, interoperability, and compliance with legal and ethical standards contribute to the sustainability of digital library projects, ensuring their resilience and relevance in the digital age.

Digital library projects are guided by key objectives and goals aimed at unlocking knowledge, preserving cultural heritage, promoting innovation, supporting education and research, fostering collaboration, promoting open access, prioritizing user experience, and ensuring sustainability. By prioritizing these objectives and goals, digital library projects can serve as invaluable resources for future generations, enriching lives, fostering learning, and preserving the collective wisdom of humanity.

1.5 Stakeholders in Planning and Launching a Digital Library

The stakeholders involved in planning and launching a digital library project may vary depending on the project’s scope, objectives, and target audience. However, common stakeholders typically include:

Project Sponsors or Funding Agencies: At the outset of a digital library project, project sponsors or funding agencies are pivotal in providing financial support and resources. Their responsibilities include setting project goals, securing funding, and overseeing project progress to ensure alignment with strategic objectives. Sponsors often provide the initial impetus for the project and guide its development through funding and strategic direction.
Project Management Team: The project management team oversees the digital library project’s planning, development, and implementation. Comprising project managers, coordinators, and administrators, their responsibilities include managing project timelines, budgets, and resources. They coordinate activities among various stakeholders, ensuring the project stays on track and meets its objectives within the allocated resources.
Content Providers: Content providers are integral stakeholders who contribute digital resources to the library’s collection. These may include academic institutions, cultural organizations, publishers, authors, and individual creators. Their role involves selecting, digitizing, and providing metadata for resources and ensuring copyright compliance and licensing agreements. Content providers enrich the library’s collection with diverse and valuable materials, enhancing its appeal and usefulness to users.
Technology Partners: Technology partners provide expertise and support in developing the library’s technical infrastructure and digital platform. This may include software developers, IT professionals, and digital librarians who design, implement, and maintain the digital repository, user interface, search functionalities, and other technical components. Technology partners ensure the digital library operates smoothly and efficiently, providing users with a seamless and intuitive experience.
User Community: The user community consists of individuals, groups, or organizations who will utilize the digital library’s resources and services. Users may include students, researchers, educators, professionals, policymakers, and the general public. Their role involves providing feedback, testing prototypes, and engaging with library resources and services to ensure they meet user needs and preferences. The user community is at the heart of the digital library project, driving its success and relevance.
Library Staff: Library staff are responsible for managing day-to-day operations, providing user support, and curating digital collections within the library. This may include librarians, archivists, catalogers, metadata specialists, and technical support staff who oversee content acquisition, cataloging, metadata creation, preservation, and access services. Library staff ensure the smooth functioning of the digital library and provide valuable expertise in organizing and managing digital resources.
Advisory Board or Steering Committee: An advisory board or steering committee provides strategic guidance and oversight to the digital library project. This may include representatives from relevant stakeholder groups, such as funding agencies, content providers, technology partners, user communities, and academic institutions. Their role involves advising on project direction, policy development, and sustainability planning, ensuring that the project remains aligned with its goals and objectives.

The success of a digital library project relies on the collaboration and coordination of diverse stakeholders with complementary expertise and responsibilities. From securing funding to developing technical infrastructure, curating content, and engaging users, each stakeholder plays a crucial role in planning and launching a digital library effectively. By working together, these stakeholders can contribute to the development of a sustainable and impactful digital library that meets the needs of its users and enriches access to knowledge and information for all.

1.6 Target Audience of a Digital Library

The target audience of a digital library is broad and diverse, encompassing individuals, groups, and organizations with varying information needs and interests. Some key target audience segments include:

Students : Students at all levels of education, from elementary school to university, use digital libraries for research, study, and coursework. They rely on digital libraries to access academic journals, textbooks, research articles, and other educational resources to support their learning endeavors.
Researchers and Academics : Researchers, scholars, and academics utilize digital libraries to access scholarly literature, conduct research, and stay updated on the latest field developments. Digital libraries provide access to academic journals, conference proceedings, and research databases, facilitating knowledge discovery and dissemination.
Educators and Teachers : Educators and teachers rely on digital libraries to access teaching materials, lesson plans, multimedia resources, and educational tools to enhance their instruction and support student learning. Digital libraries offer resources tailored to specific subjects, grade levels, and educational standards, enabling educators to plan and deliver lessons effectively.
Professionals : Professionals in various fields, such as healthcare, law, engineering, and business, use digital libraries to access industry-specific information, professional development resources, and research literature relevant to their work. Digital libraries support lifelong learning and professional growth by providing access to current and authoritative resources.
Librarians and Information Professionals : Librarians and information professionals play a vital role in managing and curating digital libraries, ensuring the quality, relevance, and accessibility of digital collections. They rely on digital libraries to stay updated on trends in library science, information management, and digital preservation practices.
General Public : The general public also forms a significant portion of the target audience for digital libraries. Members of the public use digital libraries to access a wide range of information, including news articles, historical documents, multimedia collections, and recreational reading materials. Digital libraries support lifelong learning, cultural enrichment, and personal interests for individuals of all ages and backgrounds.
Government Agencies and Policy Makers : Government agencies, policymakers, and policy analysts may utilize digital libraries to access research reports, policy briefs, legislative documents, and other information relevant to policy development and decision-making processes. Digital libraries support evidence-based policymaking and promote transparency and accountability in governance.

The target audience of a digital library is diverse and inclusive, spanning individuals, institutions, and communities with a shared interest in accessing and utilizing digital information and resources for learning, research, professional development, and personal enrichment.

1.7 What estimated budget is required to establish and maintain the digital library, and how will it be obtained?

The estimated budget required for establishing and maintaining a digital library can vary significantly depending on factors such as the scale of the project, the scope of the collections, the technological infrastructure, and ongoing operational expenses. Here’s a breakdown of potential cost considerations and strategies for obtaining funding:

1. Initial Setup Costs:

Digitization Equipment and Software: Costs associated with acquiring scanners, cameras, digitization software, and other equipment for converting physical materials into digital formats.
Metadata Creation and Cataloging: Expenses related to creating metadata, indexing, and cataloging digital resources to facilitate search and retrieval.
Website Development: Costs for designing and developing the digital library website or platform, including user interface design, programming, and content management systems.
Technical Infrastructure: Investment in servers, storage systems, networking equipment, and security measures to support the digital repository and ensure data integrity and accessibility.
Licensing and Copyright Clearance: Fees for obtaining licenses and permissions for copyrighted materials, as well as legal consultations to ensure compliance with intellectual property laws.

2. Ongoing Operational Expenses:

Staffing: Salaries for librarians, archivists, metadata specialists, IT professionals, and other staff members responsible for managing and curating digital collections, providing user support, and maintaining the technical infrastructure.
Content Acquisition: Costs associated with acquiring and licensing digital resources, including subscriptions to electronic journals, databases, e-books, and multimedia content.
Technical Support and Maintenance: Expenses for ongoing maintenance, updates, and upgrades to the digital repository, website, and software applications, as well as technical support services.
Marketing and Outreach: Funds for promoting awareness of the digital library, organizing outreach events, and engaging with users and stakeholders to increase usage and participation.
Training and Professional Development: Budget for staff training and professional development activities to enhance skills and knowledge in areas such as digital preservation, metadata standards, and emerging technologies.

3. Funding Strategies:

Government Grants and Funding: Seek funding opportunities from government agencies, foundations, and grant-making organizations that support digital initiatives, cultural heritage preservation, education, and research.
Institutional Funding: Secure financial support from universities, libraries, museums, and other institutions that benefit from the digital library’s resources and services.
Corporate Sponsorship and Partnerships: Form partnerships with corporate sponsors, technology companies, publishers, and other organizations interested in supporting digital literacy, access to information, and community engagement initiatives.
Philanthropic Donations: Solicit donations from philanthropic individuals, alumni, and organizations passionate about promoting education, cultural heritage, and digital access initiatives.
User Fees and Subscriptions: Implement user fees, subscription models, or value-added services for premium access to certain resources or features within the digital library, generating revenue to offset operating costs.
Crowdfunding Campaigns: Launch crowdfunding campaigns on platforms such as Kickstarter , Indiegogo , or GoFundMe to raise funds from individual donors and supporters interested in contributing to the digital library project.

By carefully estimating the budget required for establishing and maintaining the digital library and implementing a diverse range of funding strategies, organizations can secure the necessary resources to sustainably support the development and operation of the digital library over the long term.

1.8 Types of digital resources could be included in a digital library

A digital library can include various digital resources spanning various formats, subjects, and disciplines. Here are some common types of digital resources that could be included in a digital library:

E-books: Digital versions of books and manuscripts in various genres and languages.
Journals and Articles: Scholarly journals, articles, and research papers across different academic disciplines.
Newspapers and Magazines: Digital archives of newspapers, magazines, and periodicals covering historical and current events.
Theses and Dissertations: Electronic theses and dissertations (ETDs) produced by graduate students as part of their academic research.
Images: Digital photographs, illustrations, maps, diagrams, artwork, and other visual materials.
Audio Files: Recordings of lectures, interviews, speeches, podcasts, music, and sound effects.
Videos: Educational videos, documentaries, tutorials, conference presentations, and archival footage.
Animations: Animated graphics, simulations, and interactive multimedia content.
Statistical Data: Numerical datasets, surveys, and statistical reports on various topics such as demographics, economics, and social trends.
Geographic Information Systems (GIS): Spatial data, maps, and geographic information system (GIS) datasets for spatial analysis and mapping.
Research Data: Raw data collected from scientific experiments, surveys, and research studies, along with associated metadata and documentation.
Manuscripts: Digital copies of historical manuscripts, letters, diaries, and personal papers from archival collections.
Rare Books: Digital scans of rare and valuable books, pamphlets, and ephemera from special collections.
Oral Histories: Recorded interviews, testimonies, and oral history projects capturing personal narratives and memories.
Course Materials: Lecture notes, syllabi, course readings, and educational resources for academic courses and disciplines.
Learning Objects: Interactive learning modules, quizzes, tutorials, and educational games designed for online learning environments.
Open Educational Resources (OER): Freely accessible teaching and learning materials, including textbooks, lesson plans, and curriculum guides.
Artifacts: Digital representations of cultural artifacts, archaeological objects, and museum collections.
Cultural Heritage Sites: Virtual tours, 3D models, and multimedia presentations of historic sites, monuments, and landmarks.
Folklore and Traditions: Digitized recordings, texts, and multimedia materials documenting folklore, oral traditions, and cultural practices.
Legislative Materials: Laws, regulations, statutes, and legislative documents at the local, national, and international levels.
Government Publications: Reports, white papers, policy documents, and official publications from government agencies and organizations.
Legal Cases: Court opinions, case law, legal briefs, and legal research materials for legal professionals and researchers.
Medical Literature: Research articles, clinical trials, medical journals, and evidence-based medicine resources for healthcare professionals.
Health Data: Health statistics, public health reports, epidemiological data, and health indicators for research and policy analysis.
Patient Education Materials: Health education resources, patient information leaflets, and multimedia content for patient education and advocacy.
Environmental Data: Environmental monitoring data, climate datasets, ecological studies, and biodiversity records.
Sustainability Reports: Corporate sustainability reports, environmental impact assessments, and sustainability indicators.
Green Technologies: Information on renewable energy, sustainable technologies, green building practices, and environmental conservation efforts.
Community Archives: Digital collections documenting local history, community life, and grassroots movements.
Social Media Data: Analysis of social media trends, user-generated content, and digital communication patterns.
Civic Engagement Resources: Resources for civic education, community organizing, and social justice advocacy.

These are just a few examples of the diverse types of digital resources that can be included in a digital library. The selection of resources will depend on the digital library’s mission, scope, and audience to provide comprehensive and accessible information resources to users across various domains and disciplines.

1.9 Timeline for the Planning, Development, and Launch phases of the Digital Library Project

The timeline for a digital library project’s planning, development, and launch phases can vary depending on factors such as the project scope, complexity, available resources, and organizational priorities. However, here’s a general outline of the typical timeline for each phase:

1. Planning Phase:

Initial Conceptualization (1-3 months): Define the project vision, goals, objectives, and target audience. Conduct needs assessments and feasibility studies to identify requirements and potential challenges.
Stakeholder Engagement (1-2 months): Identify key stakeholders and establish communication channels for collaboration and feedback. Gather input from stakeholders to inform project planning and decision-making.
Strategic Planning (2-4 months): Develop a strategic plan outlining project scope, deliverables, timelines, resource requirements, and budget estimates. Establish project governance structure, roles, and responsibilities.
Needs Assessment (2-3 months): Assess user needs, content requirements, technical infrastructure, and other factors influencing the design and implementation of the digital library. Conduct user surveys, focus groups, and interviews to gather feedback and insights.
Resource Planning (1-2 months): Determine resource needs for staffing, technology, equipment, software, and other project components. Develop a resource allocation plan and budget to support project implementation.

2. Development Phase:

Content Acquisition and Digitization (3-6 months): Acquire digital resources from content providers and partners. Digitize physical materials, create metadata, and catalog resources according to established standards.
Technical Infrastructure Development (3-6 months): Design, develop, and implement the technical infrastructure for the digital library, including the digital repository, website or platform, search functionalities, user interface, and access controls.
Software Development and Integration (3-6 months): Develop and customize software applications, tools, and features to support digital library operations and user interactions. Integrate third-party systems and services as needed.
Quality Assurance and Testing (1-2 months): Conduct thorough testing and quality assurance checks to ensure the digital library platform and content’s functionality, performance, and usability. Address any issues or bugs identified during testing.
User Training and Support (1-2 months): Develop training materials and user guides to help users navigate the digital library platform and access resources effectively. Provide training sessions and ongoing user support to address questions and concerns.

3. Launch Phase:

Soft Launch (1-2 months): Conduct a soft launch or beta testing phase to pilot the digital library platform with a limited audience. Gather feedback from early adopters and stakeholders to identify areas for improvement.
Finalization and Optimization (1-2 months): Make final adjustments and optimizations based on user feedback and testing results. Fine-tune the digital library platform, content, and user experience to ensure readiness for full launch.
Marketing and Promotion (1-2 months): Develop marketing strategies and promotional materials to generate awareness and interest in the digital library. Launch marketing campaigns, outreach initiatives, and promotional events to attract users and stakeholders.
Official Launch (1 month): Announce the official launch of the digital library to the public. Coordinate launch activities, press releases, and media outreach to maximize visibility and engagement. Monitor performance metrics and user feedback to evaluate the launch’s success and identify areas for further refinement.

Overall, a digital library project’s planning, development, and launch phases typically span 12-24 months, although the timeline may vary depending on project-specific factors and organizational priorities. By following a structured and systematic approach, organizations can effectively plan, develop, and launch a digital library that meets the needs of users and stakeholders while achieving project goals and objectives.

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Business Planning for Digital Libraries

Program: electronic library and information systems

ISSN : 0033-0337

Article publication date: 26 April 2011

Library operations and services
Digital libraries

Xu, C. (2011), "Business Planning for Digital Libraries", Program: electronic library and information systems , Vol. 45 No. 2, pp. 246-247. https://doi.org/10.1108/00330331111129796

Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Business Planning for Digital Libraries , edited by Mel Collier, approaches the subject matter from a global perspective, collecting a broad range of literature in both public and academic domains. The book aims to present a holistic view of the digital library planning process and trends in the context of a business framework.

The book comprises 21 papers from 26 authors, organized into three chapters. The overall structural issues of digital library planning are being addressed in the first chapter with representations in broad subject domains: cultural heritage, higher education, arts and social sciences, and scientific, technical and medical (STM) libraries. The second part addresses the practical aspects of digital library planning in terms of different content categories. These include e‐journals, e‐books, e‐archives, e‐archives of web materials, digital preservation, digital repositories, multilingualism, open access and metadata. The final segment shares experiences of European and US libraries, for instance the digital libraries of the Denmark public libraries; the California Digital Library; and the Oxford Digital Library. Given its extensive coverage, the book is helpful to digital library practitioners and technical staff to get a thorough understanding of digital library planning and management in any discipline.

The juxtaposition of digital library planning under a commercial/business environment is a major contribution. Increasingly the return on investment (ROI) for digital libraries has come under scrutiny by publicly funded agencies and therefore the business case is essential. The book provides a good starting point for the discussion of digital library planning in terms of ROI or business efficiency and adds significantly to the limited corpus of knowledge in this domain.

The book is hardly technical and is not prescriptive. While the book attempts to integrate all issues pertaining to the successful planning of digital libraries, the lack of best case examples leave many questions unanswered. Indeed, one of the authors, Ian Anderson, has commented that: “Critical issues such as market analysis and segmentation, user evaluation, impact measurement, costs, income, financial planning, ROI, marketing and risk analysis are more opaque than they ought to be.”

Most authors have addressed the issues based on their own management experiences. The open sharing of insights is a valuable contribution to the understanding of business planning for digital libraries. A few encouraging signs of successful innovation have also shed light on the future of digital library planning. For example, Oxford University is testing the effectiveness of a Toolkit for the Impact of Digitised Scholarly Resources in justifying digitising effort; a toolbar developed by the Medical Library of Groningen University has proved to be effective in assisting user navigation; and collective bargaining with digital content providers at the national level has been effective in saving public expenditure in many cases.

There is potential for further exposition on dealing with contemporary challenges on the shift in digital library retrieval patterns, changes in consumer reading behaviour, needs of mass customisation for different user groups, user generated content management and sustainable financing models.

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For immediate release | September 20, 2018

An updated how-to-do-it manual for building digital libraries

book cover for Building Digital Libraries, Second Edition

CHICAGO — Whether you’re embarking on the challenge of building a digital collection from scratch or simply need to understand the conceptual and technical challenges of constructing a digital library, the new second edition of “ Building Digital Libraries ,” published by ALA Neal-Schuman, is the ideal guidebook to keep at your side. This thoroughly updated and reworked How-To-Do-It Manual for Librarians by Kyle Banerjee and Terry Reese, Jr. details how digital resources are created, distributed, and accessed, and shows how librarians can keep up with the latest technologies for successfully completing these tasks. Demystifying core technologies and workflows, this book comprehensively covers:

needs assessment and planning for a digital repository;
choosing a platform;
acquiring, processing, classifying, and describing digital content;
storing and managing resources in a digital repository;
digital preservation;
technologies and standards useful to digital repositories, including XML, the Portland Common Data Model, metadata schema such as Dublin Core, scripting using JSON and REST, linked open data, and automated metadata assignment;
sharing data and metadata;
understanding information-access issues, including digital rights management; and
analyzing repository use, planning for the future, migrating to new platforms, and accommodating new types of data.

Banerjee has twenty years’ library experience, extensive systems knowledge, and has planned and written software to support ILS, digital collections, and resource-sharing system migrations since 1996. He has coauthored two other textbooks about digital libraries and has written numerous articles on library automation. Reese, Jr. is the head of digital initiatives at the Ohio State University Libraries. Over the past seventeen years, his research interests have centered on the changing nature of library metadata and the ways in which this data can be reused and transformed in different contexts. He is the author and creator of MarcEdit, a cross-platform library metadata editing tool that is designed to lower the technical barriers for users working with various forms of library metadata, and author of numerous other publications.

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