Issues and Challenges of Integrating Digital Library Services in Blended Learning Environments

Research into digital libraries has been carried out from two perspectives being libraries as contents and as services/organizations. The authors approach this topic from the service perspective. They argue that existing academic libraries in most parts of the world have augmented their services to include digital library services. This chapter discusses the development and components of a digital library and types of digital library services. It also discusses partial research findings on the integration of digital library services in blended learning environments at Open University Malaysia (OUM), focusing on issues and challenges encountered by librarians, which are: the need to provide both digital and physical resources, synchronous and asynchronous interaction with users, and engagement in continuous improvement. Information professionals at tertiary institutions are recommended to: keep abreast with the changing learning environments, maintain cooperation with users, and equip themselves with the new user-centric roles, knowledge, and skills that are required in this era of technological advancement.