digital library

USAGE SUMMARY

"digital library" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It refers to a collection of digital resources, such as books, journals, and multimedia, that can be accessed and used through electronic devices. You can use the phrase "digital library" in various contexts, such as: - "The university has recently invested in a comprehensive digital library that provides students with access to a wide range of online resources." - "With the rise of e-books and online publications, many traditional libraries are expanding their services to include a digital library for their patrons." - "The digital library offers a convenient and cost-effective way for researchers to access a vast collection of academic articles and publications." - "Thanks to the digital library, I was able to access rare historical documents and primary sources for my research project."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The bicentennial digital library.

The New York Times

ASME Digital Library.

University of California, Berkeley

ACI Digital Library.

University of California, Berkeley

Program On Negotiation Digital Library.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

ACM Digital Library [electronic resource].

Stanford University

Digital library research and application.

Harvard University

"Program On Negotiation Digital Library: Joint Fact Finding".

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

"Program On Negotiation Digital Library: Value Creation".

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

"Program On Negotiation Digital Library: Facilitative Leadership".

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The class Web site becomes a digital library.

The New York Times

In other words, there's a real digital library divide.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to a specific institution's digital holdings, use the full name (e.g., "The New York Public Library Digital Collections") for clarity on the first mention, then abbreviate if appropriate.

Common error

Don't use the term "digital library" loosely to describe a simple collection of digitized documents on a website. A true digital library has sophisticated search, preservation, and access mechanisms beyond basic file hosting.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "digital library" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a common and correct term. For example, one might say "The digital library offers many resources."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Academia

43%

News & Media

33%

Science

24%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "digital library" refers to a library where collections are stored in digital formats and accessible via computers. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in various contexts. It's a very common noun phrase, widely used across academia, news, and scientific domains. When writing about a "digital library", ensure you’re describing more than just a basic collection of files; a true digital library involves sophisticated search and management systems. Keep in mind related terms such as "online repository" or "virtual collection", which can be used as alternatives depending on the nuances you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

e-library

A shorter more modern abbreviation.

electronic resource library

More descriptive, emphasizing electronic resources.

cyber library

Modern take using "cyber" to show online presence.

virtual collection

Emphasizes the non-physical aspect of the collection.

online repository

Focuses on the storage aspect, differing from the library connotation.

electronic archive

Highlights the archival nature, suggesting long-term preservation.

digital archive

Focus on archiving rather than library use.

online database

Highlights data management and access.

virtual information center

Focuses on information provision in a virtual environment.

web-based resource center

Emphasizes accessibility and resource provision.

FAQs

How do I cite a source from a "digital library"?

Cite the item as you would any other source, but include the URL of the "digital library" and the date you accessed the content. Always check the "digital library" for specific citation guidelines.

What are the key features of a "digital library"?

Key features include searchability, persistent URLs, metadata, digital preservation strategies, and often, access controls to manage copyright and licensing.

How does a "digital library" differ from a traditional library?

Unlike traditional libraries with physical collections, a "digital library" stores resources in digital formats accessible electronically. This allows for remote access and often, broader distribution of materials.

Where can I find examples of well-established "digital libraries"?

Examples include The Library of Congress, Internet Archive, and university "digital libraries" like the "Cambridge Digital Library" or "New York Public Library".