Myths and Challenges of Building an Effective Digital Library in Developing Nations

Abstract

Building an effective digital library goes beyond just digitizing materials or providing access to electronic resources. There must be a proper understanding of what an effective digital library is. Most developing nations are facing challenges ranging from myths to infrastructural, technical skill and technology dearth, proper planning and implementation; licensing, copyrights and access; interoperability and metadata issues. Recommendations include: political will power, proper planning and management; collaboration and competence skill acquisition with positive attitude from librarians.