Virtual Libraries as part of the system of Nationwide Library Services: Services and Usage (ViFaSys)

The German Research foundation (DFG) initialized the creation of Virtual Libraries (ViFa) in its “Memorandum for the further Development of national library services” in 1998. As a consequence a number of Virtual Libraries were created at the special collections libraries.

The Virtual Libraries and other subject portals funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research can be accessed through the interdisciplinary portal vascoda. The object of the Project „VifaSys“ was to find out, how these subject portals have enhanced the supply of high quality information for researchers. One aspect was to examine if and how the services are used by the target groups. In addition, their wishes and requirements for the future development of the services were to be looked at.

Recommendations based on the study form the basis for further developments of Virtual Libraries.

Project duration: Autumn 2006 – Autumn 2007.