Reference services in digital collections and projects

Purpose - The purpose of this study is to examine the extent to which digital library projects incorporated reference services to increase the value of the collections and support the use of information. Design/methodology/approach - After defining digital library service types, the study surveyed 60 digital collections/projects from the Digital Initiatives Database (DID) and analyzed what types of services have been offered and how they varied. Findings - Findings showed that digital collections scored high marks in offering services in two areas - search and digital reference; however, the findings also revealed that they have been limited in giving valuable information services in other areas. Originality/value - The study shows that the current practice of digital initiatives needs to integrate various services not only to help users find information, but also to instruct users to better utilize the library and its other services.