Benefits of virtual libraries

[sunner at vicnet.net.au]

Hello,

I have been lurking on this list for a little while, gathering some great 
information and ideas as I get my hands dirty developing my first virtual 
library for a small special library that services k-12 and higher education 
union staff.  For all the information, ideas & debate I thank you.

I have been trying to find some hard evidence of the benefits to users of 
providing a virtual library - qualitative evaluations, cost-benefit 
analysis, user surveys... anything.  I know people must be doing 
evaluations, but the library literature doesn't seem to be reflecting it.  
Or am I missing something?

Have any of you conducted any evaluations that you are able to share, or 
point me to some literature?  I want to provide some evidence to the 
"powers" in support of getting a budget for the project.  (The fact that my 
clients want electronic services doesn't seem to be enough!)

Any help would greatly be appreciated by this novice.

Kati

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Kati Sunner
Alternate email: katis at edunions.labor.net.au

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