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Update Bibliotheek.nl: an ordinary library

Bibliotheek.nl (library.nl) is the virtual public library of the Netherlands the product of the joint efforts of Dutch public libraries, coordinated by the NBLC (the Dutch Public Library Association). This Internet site (www.bibliotheek.nl) provides access to a user-friendly, digital library collection.

The primary target group of bibliotheek.nl consists of end-users, i.e. library members and visitors who will visit the website both at home and in the physical library building. The virtual public library will be developed as would an ordinary library, but traditional library functions will be fulfilled in a new manner. The tracking, collecting and arranging of a collection of media by the librarian, the possibility to access and present media and subsequently distribute the information all this is done on the Internet using effective, user-friendly software. Both the software and the Internet make it possible to present a wide range of information in an integrated fashion, regardless of time and place. Furthermore, the information can be geared to individual user requirements by means of user profiles. In this way, bibliotheek.nl combines not only the know-how and expertise of many Dutch public libraries, but also that of a number of selected partners.

All this is made possible by co-operation and joint purchasing of content. Bibliotheek.nl is the national platform on which the library network is forged. Co-ordinated from a national base, libraries branches throughout the country flesh out the various constituent parts of the bibliotheek.nl organisation, thus creating a new network organisation that fits the virtual options. This network works on a decentralised basis, close to the customer, and assists in the editing of various parts of bibliotheek.nl. The network consists of domain and target group specialists who jointly form a strong alliance in order to provide highly divergent solutions and services as well as a strong, committed network of locally anchored, enterprising (basic) libraries. This ensures a low-barrier, total product, a public domain that is available 24 hours a day, offering:
  • important, reliable, independent digital collections that can also be accessed from home;
  • access to national catalogues: a link between the physical library and the digital library;
  • major services such as the digital information desk Al@din;
  • meta-index: high-quality local and national databases that can be searched simultaneously.
End-users
The end-users of bibliotheek.nl are the general Dutch public. However, certain services are intended only for members of the public libraries. The following services are relevant to end-users:
  • The catalogue: meta-index
    A unique and innovative aspect of bibliotheek.nl is the joint catalogue, the meta-index. It offers both old and trusted as well as new search methods that link up with presentday Internet access. The catalogue gives access to all joint collections, both the digital and the shared physical collections, integrated and simultaneous. This mix satisfies the requirements of both existing and new target groups, offering them a large degree of independence.
  • Al@din
    The information button leads visitors to the Al@din digital information desk. The librarian at the digital information desk offers active assistance in searching and finding information. A network of support workers from front and back offices in the library arena provide rapid, high-quality support. Alliances with other specialised providers of information and advice in the public domain ensure efficiency, effectiveness and quality.
  • Media education
    For the purpose of enhancing and developing digital search skills, bibliotheek.nl should offer extensive, wide-ranging features in the area of media education and information skills. This entails working closely with the education sector to ensure that large groups of citizens are and can remain independent in our information society.
    Bibliotheek.nl is the focal point where joint, high-quality programmes are maintained, developed and made available.
  • Language and reading
    The library has always been language- and literature-based, a place for reading. Together with its natural allies, it contributes to the literacy and erudition of society. Bibliotheek.nl is acquiring a leading position in the digital literary domain. A choice selection of joint reading and language development programmes supports dynamic local and regional library programmes in this area.
  • User participation; user community
    The interactive function offers end-users a number of possibilities: online participation in the digital public library by taking part in a discussion forum, a theme-based community, and information and cultural domains; making information available oneself; or being involved in expanding ones own knowledge background. In the future, this function will make it possible to customise service provision according to the requirements of individual users, to generate personal notification services in order to create forms of mijnbibliotheek.nl (mylibrary.nl). Once individual requirements and profiles are known, users can influence the development of the joint digital library at national level.


 
7 August 2026