Special collections on the World Wide Web: a survey and evaluation

Reports results of a preliminary analysis and questionnaire survey of selec ted UK university libraries known to have both significant special collecti ons available on the World Wide Web and which are active in using these to promote the libraries. Interviews were conducted with those involved in the development of the Web sites. The special collections resulted from Electr onic Libraries Programme (eLib) funding and the study aimed to examine the outcome of these initiatives and to assess their value in giving access to special collections across the Internet. Particular attention was given to the issue of online or virtual exhibitions. Concludes that: the principal o bjective of special collections Web sites is to publicize collections and p rovide information for potential users; Higher Education Funding Councils' non-formula funding has played a significant part in enabling such sites to be developed; many sites are still in an early stage of development, makin g it impossible to judge their likely future impact; and there is some evid ence of a shift of enquiries towards electronic mail contacts from a distan ce, including researchers from outside the UK.