Digital Library Working Group

Minutes: April 13, 1998

Present:

Gail Clement, Chairperson; Dr. Miller, Salvador Miranda, Sherry Carrillo, Nancy Hershof, Stephenie Brenenson, Vicki Grahame, Mayra Nemeth, David Goldsmith, Heidi Paulson. (Absent: Jennifer Fu).

Charge:

After welcoming us, Gail asked Dr. Miller to review the Group's charge. Dr. Miller emphasized that the Library will be taking a leadership role in the development of a digital library at FIU. This Group will need to review the charge and expand it to include new thinking, ideas and processes within the library. By August 1, 1998 the Group should present a report outlining the digital library .

Working Definition:

Gail felt that it was important for all members to have the same working definition of 'Digital library'. There was some discussion of the various meanings of this term and what should be included in it. Does digital equal electronic? Is it everything that is accessible electronically? We agreed that for puposes of this Group we would include all electronic resources and this Group would be the umbrella to set a structure for all these various resources.

Current Digital Library Initiatives at FIU:

Gail handed out an outline of the various activities underway at FIU and on the FCLA/SUS level.She described each activity and provided URLs to the various sites. She asked us to use the URLs to become acquainted with the projects. (Editorial note: this handout is now also available electronically.)

Discussion followed on some of the various DL initiatives underway. How does the IBM Digital Library fit into the FIU digital library and the FIU Library?

We also discussed the 856 links being used in NOTIS now and various problems involved. We were all asked to think about trainng issues for library staff. Identify training opportunites as either workshops or for bringing in speakers or trainers to the library. Dr. Miller said he would support any training needed.

For next meeting:

Read up on the current DL initiatives. Identify what resources and training will be needed in your sphere of activity.

Next meeting:

Wednesday, May 6 from 1:00-3:00 in UP Conference Room