Return to top of the page

Welcome First-time Users

Welcome to NSDL! This page provides information to help new users who are relatively unfamiliar with digital libraries or NSDL.

Where Do I Start?

Navigating NSDL

To better assist users in making sense of NSDL and the resources it offers, we have created audience-specific sections of our website that provide information crafted to meet the needs of K-12 Teachers, Librarians, and College and University Faculty. These areas are a good starting point for the first-time user. NSDL-Funded Projects and other library builders can access information and tools through the Digital Library Developers section of the site. Users can also directly access NSDL's search and browse features without an audience-specific context.

Basic Digital Library Use

  1. Search or Browse to Locate Resources
    NSDL organizes information about a wide range of resources that are located across the Internet. Users can discover these materials through keyword searches or can browse topical and alphabetical lists of collections. First-time users might also find it helpful to browse sets of resources that have been selected by NSDL staff as of particular interest to different audiences.
  2. Select Relevant Resources
    Search results will return information about NSDL collections containing relevant materials as well as information about individual resource items when those have been provided to the library. Resource information generally includes the title, a snippet from the item's full description, the format type, a link to the website where the material is actually located, and the name and logo of the collection. Further details about the resource including the full description, subject areas, and copyright information can be obtained by clicking on the "More Info" button at the bottom of each record. Details about each collection can be viewed by clicking on the collection logo.
  3. Access a Resource from the Resource Provider
    NSDL does not own or store the resources to which we provide access. NSDL holds information about resources and collection providers maintain the resources at their own websites. When an item is selected from a list of search results or other link, the user leaves the NSDL website and accesses the site of the resource provider or owner. In many cases, items in the NSDL collections may be part of another digital library that is aggregating the resource from another provider. NSDL is not responsible for the content or upkeep of sites that host any material; however, we do try to keep our links current.
  4. Check for Permissions, Copyrights, and Fees
    NSDL does not own or store the resources to which we provide access. All applicable copyrights and permissions for use are held by the resource owner. When copyright information has been provided to NSDL, it can be viewed through the "More Info" link at the bottom of each search result. For the most accurate and current information for all resources it is best to contact the resource provider to verify permission for use. While the majority of resource items in NSDL are available to anyone at no cost, some collections require a login that may or may not be free, while others have costs associated with access. NSDL does not collect any fees or receive any money from resource providers that offer fee-based materials.
  5. Use, Link To, or Download Resources
    The most common way to use NSDL resources is to share the URL with students or colleagues, or to save it for personal reference. Animations, videos, and other multimedia items can often be downloaded for use on individual computers or for inclusion into presentation software such as PowerPoint. More ideas about using NSDL can be found within audience specific sections of this website.

What Can I Do at NSDL.org?

NSDL Overview and History