Supporting Research in Scotland: The Scottish Higher Education Digital Library

Abstract

The Scottish Higher Education Digital Library was established in 2009. This paper examines the environment which led up to its establishment in universities, libraries and with procurement. The investigative report which led to the creation of SHEDL is described, together with the first steps and a description of the SHEDL model. SHEDL has continued to grow and is well used. It is widely recognized as a successful shared service, which was created from existing funds with no additional funding. Challenges facing the SHEDL model are reviewed. While there are many challenges, there are also many opportunities. SHEDL is well placed to move forward addressing both challenges and opportunities within an environment which has changed radically since the project was started.