The scope of digital collections transcends the library walls as the collections are available even when the physical library is closed. Digital technology is an important way of facilitating access to rare, fragile and unique works for students and researchers who would not otherwise have access to them. Such valuable types of materials include rare books, manuscripts, musical scores, photographs and graphic materials.

While libraries have been acquiring commercial content, especially electronic journals for the last three decades, digitization initiatives are a relatively recent development (the late nineties).

The Library of Congress National Digital Library Program is a valuable collection of American history, which includes such special exhibits as the papers of 23 presidents, millions of photographs, prints and maps. Similarly, Canada's Digital Collections celebrate Canada's rich culture, history and peoples.