The UT System Digital Library (UTSDL) complements the strengths of our traditional collections, expands existing services and programs, and at the same time creates entirely new options for access to scholarly information for the UT System community, including distance learners. The UTSDL works collaboratively with all UT System component libraries, the UT System Office of Telecommunications Services, the UT TeleCampus, the UTSDL Council of Directors and related organizations to carry out these activities.

Access to commercial information resources — Leverages group purchasing power to access, either by mounting locally or via remote host, those information resources selected by UT System component libraries; stays abreast of new product offerings and opportunities for UT System libraries; serves as primary contact with information providers, proposes cost allocation models for UT System libraries, manages negotiation and licensing process.

Access to local information resources — Further develops UT System libraries web site to showcase the depth of digital information available from our libraries; assists UT System component libraries to digitize unique materials within local collections and make them available.

Library services for distance learners — Drawing on the well-established programs of UT System libraries, the UTSDL works collaboratively with the distance education initiative and the component libraries to provide electronic and traditional library services in support of distance learners; serves as the central coordinating point for UT System libraries distance learning services.

Technology Infrastructure — Along with UT System Office of Telecommunications Services, maintains hardware, telecommunications, software, and security services, as appropriate, for UT System information resources and distance learning services; serves as primary technical contact with information providers; stays abreast of new technologies and makes recommendations for inclusion into UTSDL services.

Training, Consulting, Planning — Determines training needs of UT System libraries in regard to UTSDL; arranges training programs as appropriate; consults with and assists in planning for library projects with UT System libraries when called upon to do so.