'Virtual library' offers expanded access

by Emily Silverman, special to the Chronicle

he Library has launched a redesigned Web site, known as the UMass Amherst Digital Library (www.library.umass.edu). Technology allows the Library to offer this additional location -- a virtual library -- that removes geographical, time, and physical access barriers to content, resources and services.

     The Digital Library is an evolving collection of databases, reference and instruction services, resource guides, and other tools that librarians have chosen to help users find, evaluate, and understand the diverse universe of scholarly information.

     User needs and demands made possible by changing information technologies have transformed the way the Library fulfills its role.

     The Library is better able to serve students, faculty, and researchers regardless of physical location. As a result, the Library Web site has emerged as an established gateway to most collections and services provided by the Library.

     In effect, the Web site currently functions as a primary service point for the Library. This evolution of the Web site's function guided the modification of its design.

     The UMass Amherst Digital Library is an intentions-based, task-oriented site. It provides information in a way that a library user would typically ask for it. The links and categories presented anticipate a user's intent by asking the question: "What task does the user want to accomplish?" Arranging content in this manner allows the Library to integrate and collocate the information and services related to accomplishing a specific task or answering a specific question, thereby better fulfilling our mission of service to library users.