The implementation of the slv21 strategic initiatives supports online access-on-demand to Victorian and other information resources in the State Library, opening a virtual gateway to the digital information world. Through these strategic initiatives for an information gateway, the Library will expand its holdings of electronic and multimedia resources and strengthen its capacity to store and preserve such holdings.
The transformation of the Library’s service model to one based around digital information and access has enabled the Library to move away from collecting in some print formats, such as overseas newspapers. It is the Library's intention to continue to move in this direction.
Digital resources are selected for the collection primarily for their subject content and to provide further information and depth to existing collections. The range of subjects covered by subscriptions to multi-subject and specific subject databases is extensive, much broader and in greater depth than provided by selected print holdings. The content of the resources is dynamic, with titles in databases being added or deleted by publishers according to developments with their rights management.
One of the planning principles of slv21 is that the Library will provide access to digital information resources in preference to collecting other forms containing similar information, with the exception that the Library will collect Victorian heritage material in all formats in order to maintain a comprehensive collection.
This principle supports the Library's collection policy to not duplicate material. Where resources such as books or journals are available in both digital and print formats the relative costs and benefits of each format are assessed according to their relevance, content, cost, long-term access arrangements and suitability in the Library’s environment.
Electronic resources cover digital data that is read using a computer. Formats continue to change and develop. They include physical formats such as CD-ROMs, DVDs, VCDs or floppy disks, as well as online information published on the internet or distributed over it by other means, such as email and digitised resources.
The Library provides access to current and retrospective information in:
The Library’s own podcasts are selectively collected where they meet collecting guidelines.
Links to selected digital resources are made accessible to the public from records in the Library catalogue or from the digital resources section of the Library web site. The Library is increasing the capacity for all State Library users, wherever they are located and at any time, to access and use these materials at home or onsite at 328 Swanston Street, Melbourne, Australia. Offsite access to databases by registered Victorian users is being negotiated and expanded.
The collection issues for physical format electronic publications are similar to those for printed materials. However, with the development of online publishing the concept of collecting differs from that applied to physical format publications. We acquire access to publications rather than ownership of publications. For example, access to online databases is purchased on an annual subscription basis and if the subscription is not renewed access will cease at the end of the subscription period.
The issue of long-term retention or archiving is particularly important for the Library, which has responsibility for collecting for the future researcher. Some archival databases on CD-ROM have been purchased. Permanent access to purchased online resources will be negotiated where the publisher is able to supply an electronic copy of the database and where the Library is able to maintain this format. The Library’s participation in the PANDORA partnership is one way of ensuring that relevant internet sites are preserved.
Significant collection material is being selected for digitisation, in which a new and permanent digital copy is made of material such as maps, manuscripts, pictures, sheet music and newspapers. Access to the digital copies is provided through the Library’s catalogue.
Resources that are not:
