According to one embodiment of the invention, a method of providing
digital content includes receiving a request from a user for digital
content at a remote site. A first digital library at the remote site is
searched for the digital content. If the digital content is unavailable
at the remote site, a second digital library located at another site is
searched for the digital content. If the content is available at the
other site, a request for transfer of the digital content from the other
site to the remote site is made. The digital content is received at the
remote site from the other site and transferred to the user from the
remote site. The digital content is temporarily stored at the remote site
such that the content may be accessed by other users.