Digital Libraries and Technical Distance Education

Abstract

In this paper the author summarizes main aspects of distance education in engineering, its availability, and teaching and learning issues as well as its benefits and limitations. Next, the concept of Digital Libraries as a support element for distance education is introduced. Gateways to technical information are described, and a list of E&T electronic resources are presented. The development of digital collections as an integral part of the teaching-learning process is discussed, and some new integrated tools such as the digital reference desk is presented. Finally, some of the concerns about digital libraries are analyzed