Genes on the Web. Underlying online catalogs and resources is an integrated set of systems and services all developed centrally by an extended group of computer systems specialists, librarians, and faculty. Supporting digital collections requires a similar range of functions as traditional collections. However, because the underlying formats are different, so are the specific components of the infrastructure. It is a parallel system of infrastructures.
Catalogs designed for specific types of materials are the most obvious parts of the infrastructure.
A catalog known as Geodesy, based in large part on a map interface for searching, provides access to geospatial data. Behind the scenes, a variety of services work in tandem to create, store, manage, and deliver the digital materials. The result is access to a wealth of resources located across the University, not simply traditional books, serials, and photographs, but such diverse collections as horticultural prints, musical recordings, and biomedical images. Digital forms do not last forever, and planning now is critical to ensuring the longevity of the newly created resources. It's more than keeping the bits.