Thanks Jim for the cogent overview of this important issue. Digital deposit offers a way for libraries to continue to build collections that best serve their local communities. Two points come to mind:

1) The idea of flexibility resonates with me. Imagine being able to select an item not on the library's profile on the fly with the click of a radio button -- file, metadata and all! Now that's public service!! Streaming video may or may not be selected depending on the library's infrastructure and/or local need, but digital will allow that same library to add a specific item to the collection quickly and easily.

2) GPO has set minimum technological requirements for depository libraries. I would hope that GPO would continue to set those requirements and to help libraries attain and maintain those minimum standards. This is an area where GODORT could be a real help as well in training and information sharing on new technologies.

In the paper world, libraries have always had an active support network in the form of GPO staff, fellow librarians in GODORT and GOVDOC-L and the library literature to deal with the many issues surrounding the processing, shelving, accessing and preserving of government documents. There's no reason to think that this would be any different in the digital world.

Thanks again. I hope this generates some good discussion from the community.