How digital libraries can support e-learning

Purpose - Digital libraries have the potential to offer unprecedented resources for supporting e-leaming. This paper addresses and discusses such aspects as what is meant by e-learning, and how can it be supported by the library environment, the functionality of the digital library; and how e-learning resources are included and organized in the digital library. Design/methodology/approach - The paper explores the advantages of digital libraries for e-learning and the types of learning that can be supported by digital libraries. Findings - There is undoubtedly a keenness to use online information resources for research and teaching, but this seems to be matched by a lack of awareness of how best to integrate these resources into the e-leaming environment. Originality/value - The paper provides a useful insight into the role and influence of digital libraries and online resources on e-learning.