Digital libraries: Their usage from the end user point of view

There have been many published papers, articles, and even books about the Digital Library (also denoted as Electronic Library or Virtual Library in various contexts). These address the definition, description, components, usefulness, etc, of the Digital Libraryobut nothing has been researched and/or written about its usage by the end user, nor of meeting the expectations of and satisfaction of accessing needed informationoin contrast with traditional methods of access. A questionnaire was developed to survey the attitudes and behavior of end users and measure the level of understanding of the definition as well as the nature of the Digital Library, and the expectations for meeting information needs in any discipline, be it in any location worldwide. Preliminary results of the survey instrument, as analyzed, demonstrates that "globalization," though common as a theme in the literature, has heretofore made no mark addressing the oftentimes vocal concerns of end users relative to the Digital Library. Particularly illuminating also were concerns about aspects of electronic copyright and licensing, and the effects upon research and teaching.