Tools in the traditional library include interactive catalogs on computer work stations, microfilm readers, photocopiers and so forth to allow users to search and access its collections, as well as in limited ways also compile their own collections of information. Similarly, the digital library provides integrated software systems, tools, and fonts in general to enable users to work with the collections with search and access procedures considerably more powerful than the traditional library. In particular, though, the digital library goes far beyond the limited traditional tools of a library in its enabling of users to creatively interact with the digital collections and reference materials, as well as generate new user-defined collections for their own private purposes. The simplest level of functionality includes extraction of images and composing sequenced slide-shows on line, while more advanced features are, for example, the ability to make HTML pages drawing upon library resources, compile private dictionaries, create new videos from segments of existing videos and so forth. This site also provides a suite of Tibetan fonts along with software developed by THDL that enhances the use of these fonts both in word processors and on the Web. Together these tools aim to help other projects and individuals take advantage of technical work done by the Library, as well as provide a way to facilitate communication, exchange, interoperability, and project building among all scholars, students, and others interested in Tibet and the Himalayan regions. In particular, the Library is committed to developing digital tools to assist the teaching of Tibetan and Himalayan languages, literatures, environments, and cultures. The evolving multilingual capacity of the digital library system also offers the promise of a single integrated library that serves different communities with distinct language bases, as well as promote communication between them. There are six (6) overarching types of tools, all of which have been developed with an eye toward balancing the power of the latest technology against the need to reach the broadest possible audience. Technical Requirements for Using THDL From the Field to the Web Technologies used in THDL Software designed by THDL Fonts and input tools

The Columbia Research Guide For Modern Tibetan Studies was compiled by Gray Tuttle, Leila Hadley Luce Assistant Professor of Modern Tibetan Studies, and published for use on Library Web by Lauran Hartley, Tibetan Studies Librarian. It is a navigational tool for library patrons at Columbia University and elsewhere to access bibliographies and other noteworthy resources covering a wide range of subjects in the field of Tibetan Studies. Drawn from an extensive syllabus compiled by Professor Tuttle for his seminar “Sources for Modern Tibetan History,” the Guide in its current version is exceptionally strong in its survey of resources for historical research. The homepage provides additional links for other subjects: History, Social Sciences, Religious Studies, Language and Literature, Art, and Music. Many sections are still under development, and it is our hope that advanced graduate students or other scholars might contribute bibliographies for their areas of specialty, or suggest useful titles not mentioned here. Dr. Benno Weiner, for example, authored a critical survey of Chinese-language sources for the local histories of Tibetan areas in the People's Republic of China (PRC), while studying in the graduate program.

Digital Himalaya is a project to develop digital collection, storage, and distribution strategies for multimedia anthropological and ethnographical information from the Himalayan region. Digital collections feature different media, including visual and audio collections, covering the geographical areas and ethnic populations of the Himalayas; issues of Himalayan journals; maps; and bird reports from Nepal.