Revising digital library content in response to user requests

Purpose - This article uses real examples to show how issues such as authority, currency, preservation, sustainability and trust are inter-related and can be affected by user contributions to digital libraries. Methodology/approach - Several specific user requests to change digital library content are summarised, along with the relevant responses, to illustrate issues of library management and policy. Findings - The examples demonstrate the need to adopt consistent but flexible policies for content updating, so that conflicting principles or requests can be handled effectively. Originality/value - By illustrating the relationship between specific small-scale actions and significant long-term issues, the paper highlights the need for digital libraries to follow a holistic approach to content management, and to think globally while acting locally.