Collegiate Times

New advances in the digital library system at Virginia Tech are making strides in the availability of documents to the user.

"I have no problem with books and paper," Fox said. "But if it's in digital form I can take it with me wherever I go."

Each of the digital libraries at Tech has a particular clientele. Some are more suitable for faculty and some for students.

"We do whatever makes getting and receiving information the most beneficial," Fox said. "People like me want the information at their fingertips. Just think of a physical library, but in digital form."

Having the information organized and in clusters makes for faster and easier finding.

While some may worry that the accessibility of digital libraries could eliminate the widespread use of traditional libraries, Gail McMillan, director of the digital library and archives library on campus, feels that the technology can only help what is already a booming enterprise.

"Libraries have always been very multi-media oriented and they will continue to be that way," McMillan said. "Much like how people were afraid that TV would replace radio, the digital library is just an addition to the accessibility of information. It won't replace the old methods."

Cathy Skinner, an English professor at Tech, agrees.

"Paper won't ever entirely go away. But it's nice to know that you can scan important documents and have them archived forever," Skinner said.

McMillan feels that this new wave of technology is suitable for Virginia Tech and its students because of the history of the university.

"I think that because Virginia Tech is a land grant university; that's why we do what we do," she said. "We make our efforts available online to share with others."