Learning and the Digital Library

The phrase learning and the digital library encompasses two distinct components: learning related to accessing, evaluating, and using the information resources available in this environment and learning related to mastering and building upon the ideas embodied within those individual resources. Educators and system designers must draw upon research, theory, and practice from fields concerned with both these components in order to help children achieve the maximum learning benefits afforded by the digital library. This article draws upon selected research from two such fields-information studies and instructional technology-in order to present a range of ideas related to using the digital library as an environment for school-based learning. Although the two fields overlap, information studies provide insights primarily about the contextual and relational aspects of using the digital library, while instructional technology provides insights primarily about learning with the various media formats encompassed within this rich and complex venue. Information literacy, an area that incorporates concepts from both areas, provides a useful overarching framework for considering the digital library as a learning environment.