December 7, 2007

CSU Library Directors Announce Initiative for System-wide Virtual Library

At its meeting last month, the Council of CSU Library Directors/Deans finalized planning for a bold initiative to provide universal access to the shared and unique print and electronic information resources owned at, or subscribed to, by their institutions.  Under the plan the “aggregate academic communities” of the 23 campuses will have seamless access to local and distant books, journals, databases, images, archives, sound files, video, contained in both virtual and physical CSU libraries.   “Now the technological systems exist to fulfill our collective vision of powerfully linking our resources and services for the benefit… [of scholars].”  Student and faculty access to Information resources no longer need be constrained by accidents of campus size, enrollment,  and budget.   In making the announcement, the library executives noted that “the collections of the CSU Libraries should be a point of pride—representing as they do the commitment we have toward California as a knowledge-based society that continually invests in its people and spurs dynamic growth and new research. “   

How will the Virtual CSU Library work?  As they do now, users will access a familiar local portal from campus, from home, or a remote site, and it will be the gateway to their local collections.  It will easily and seamlessly allow them to search and retrieve the distant and unique research materials available at other CSU libraries, through a vendor-supplied database, or through local digital archives.  The portal will promote and facilitate collaborative exchange with fellow scholars who will “become engaged in learning when their understanding is deepened and enriched by exposure to a wider world of knowledge.”   

The document recognizes that a key prerequisite for the Virtual CSU Library will be a system-wide means for identifying and authenticating valid users, the students, faculty, and staff of the CSU.  As with other aspects of the plan, the technology exists to create such a central file, and this will be the mandate that justifies building it. 

Read the complete document, along with scenarios that predict how the plan will benefit a typical CSU student, faculty member, and new freshman at http://tinyurl.com/24rsss.

For further information contact:
Roman Kochan, Dean
rkochan@csulb.edu

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