Electronic Library of the RSL: Development Stages and Features of Formation of Digital Collections

The article for the first time covers the history of the Electronic Library (EL) of the Russian State Library (RSL) from the beginning of its formation in the mid-1990s to the present. The author considers the stages of formation and development of the EL of the RSL, the changes that have occurred depending on various factors: changes in legislation in the field of intellectual activity, the emergence of new conceptual approaches and technological platforms. The article identifies two basic approaches to the creation of electronic library: formation of large electronic collections by type of publications or presented information and the creation of electronic version of the collections of documents stored in the RSL holdings. The author gives the key decisions made in relation to the EL: the resources that have passed into the public domain are freely available on the website of the RSL; all documents (not fragments) digitized on the basis of the RSL holdings shall be included in the EL of the RSL; the quality of electronic materials is strictly regulated, etc. The article presents the history of creation and features of large digital collections and separate collections, as well as participation in Russian and international projects and programs. The author considers the development of various electronic services, search capabilities, and features of access to different collections depending on the content. The article highlights the role of the “Electronic Library of Dissertations”, which became the basis for enriching the EL of the RSL with relevant scientific knowledge, for working out new technical and technological solutions, and for providing unique access opportunities within the current legislation. The author notes that the EL creators are focused on the organization of access to modern scientific and educational content within the framework of legislative initiatives, conceptual and special technical solutions, as well as on providing free access to materials of great cultural and historical value for Russia and the world community

electronic library, electronic services, Russian State Library, RSL, history, digital collections, digitization of collections, copyright, free access, national libraries, National Digital Library, library collections, book monuments

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