Developing the Depository of Netherlands Electronic Publications

Abstract

Since 1994 the Koninklijke Bibliotheek (KB), the national library of the Netherlands, has been developing and implementing electronic library functions. These include a high quality user environment for electronic information and a depository for storing and preserving electronic publications as part of the cultural heritage of the Netherlands. In order to extend the task of the depository library to include the rapidly growing number of electronic publications, a number of conditions had to be fulfilled. These conditions were to develop a policy, make appropriate changes to the organization, obtain resources and acquire knowledge and skills. In addition, a specific management approach was necessary to develop the Depository of Netherlands Electronic Publications (DNEP) because of the complicated and continuously changing setting, resulting from the rapid development of technology and its impact on the information field. By following a step-by-step approach, the KB was able to make good progress in developing and implementing the DNEP. A facility has been realized to store and give access to electronic publications deposited by publishers. At the moment the KB is developing high quality control for this digital store of electronic publications. Another major challenge will be to develop and implement functionality for the long-term preservation of electronic publications.