Research on Digital Libraries
Robert Losee

To see how my work meshes with the digital library literature, take a look at this Google Search for work referring to my digital library work

Much of my work addresses "digital libraries" and electronic information collections in one way or another. I actively try to answer research questions addressing digital library functions (e.g. retrieving information, selecting information, organizing and classifying information) rather than trying to talk about digital libraries as whole entities. To see work I have done in these operational areas, take a look at my pages on Retrieving Information, Organizing and Classifying Information, and Selecting Information for Collections, as well as work on the Nature of Information itself. I'm very interested in systems that adapt to the user, and much of my work addresses improving or optimizing information systems for individuals or groups. I'm probably good at addressing research issues associated with the operation of parts of digital libraries. I don't see many research questions for myself in the area of policy or politics and doubt whether I could make a significant research contribution in those areas.

I can support publication quality research in digital libraries. I gladly join formal committees or groups of people from the school whose members have frequently talked with me about research prior to the group's formation; working with people who aren't interested in talking with me frequently about research leads to an ineffective research team and bad research. I am not interested in efforts that emphasize building operational digital libraries (or building operational brick-and-mortar libraries), but will actively support people whose primary focus is studying the operation and performance of specific functions within traditional (paper-based) and digital libraries.

Summary: I'm very interested in working with master's students in the area of digital libraries (as well as paper libraries!!) and how these libraries can address users' needs. If you are interested in writing a master's paper focusing on users themselves or policy, or just want to build a digital library, you would be better served by other faculty members.

Master's students who have completed a semester or two of graduate level work and have taken the related introductory courses in this area might want to consider taking an independent readings course if they believe that this area represents their career focus.