Toward the humanities digital library : Building the local organization

Before we can explore large-scale implementations of the digital research library, we need to know more about how new technology initiatives fit into local organizational contexts to meet the needs and expectations of local users. We must look at the conditions that have preexisted local initiatives, how organizations have responded, and be aware of the rationale behind those responses. How we explain what we do in these contexts will play a major role in determining the shape of the humanities research library of the future. The electronic text initiative at the Pennsylvania State University Libraries will be our case in point.