Moving Beyond "If We Build It They Will Come": The Invisible User in Digital Library Development

Abstract

Digital libraries have been studied for over two decades yet there is limited research on the actual use of digital library objects in information practices. The preponderance of research that has been done has focused on search, retrieval and information seeking behaviors. This panel’s contribution is that it describes the use of digital content retrieved from digital libraries. The panelists will discuss three empirical studies which examine the use of digital library resources in different settings. Furthermore, the panelists will discuss the implication of use data on digital library development and management.