| Knowledge
Management, Including Digital Library Services
The U.T. System is in the process of expanding access and application
of digital library services. While continuing to maintain traditional
library collections and activities, we are also extending the knowledge
management function to include digital publishing, publishing on
demand, and virtual library services.
Based on recommendations by the U.T. System Library Affairs Committee,
a Knowledge Management Center (KMC) was created on the U.T. Austin
campus in September 1997. Initial responsibilities of the center
include:
- Access to commercial information resources. The center
will leverage group purchasing power to access, either by mounting
locally or via remote host, information resources selected by
U.T. System component libraries. The center will keep up with
new product offerings and opportunities for U.T. System libraries.
It also will be the primary contact with information providers,
will propose cost allocation models for U.T. System libraries,
and will manage negotiation and licensing processes.
- Access to local information resources. The center will
further develop the U.T. System Libraries' Web site to showcase
the depth of digital information available from our libraries.
It also will assist U.T. System component libraries to digitize
unique materials within local collections and make them available.
- Library services for distance learners. Drawing on the
well-established programs of U.T. System libraries, the KMC will
work collaboratively with the U.T. TeleCampus and the component
libraries to provide electronic and traditional library services
in support of distance learners. The center will be the central
coordinating point for U.T. System libraries' distance learning
services.
- Technology infrastructure. Along with the U.T. System
Office of Telecommunications Services, the center will maintain
hardware, telecommunications, software, and security services,
as appropriate, for U.T. System information resources and distance
learning programs.
- Training, consulting, planning. The center will determine
the training needs of U.T. System libraries in regard to KMC and
digital library services. It will arrange training programs as
appropriate and will consult with U.T. System libraries when called
upon to do so.
|
