The integrations of research findings contained in this library were produced in the course of a methodological project entitled "Analytic techniques for qualitative metasynthesis," funded by the National Institute of Nursing Research (2000-2005, NR04907, NR04907S). The purpose of this project was to develop methods for conducting systematic integrations of the findings in qualitative studies, using qualitative studies of women with HIV infection. All qualitative studies of women of any race, ethnicity, nationality, or class, living with HIV infection in the United States were eligible for inclusion.

A digital library, according to Marchionini (2003), is a logical extension and augmentation of a physical library in the electronic information society. Digital libraries may take many forms, and do not necessarily need to include the original full text of a book or journal. They should, however, help transform data into information and knowledge.

This digital library is the product of a vision to provide internet access to syntheses of qualitative research findings for health care providers through user-friendly Web-based tools. The intent is to create a way of disseminating research that health care providers will find easy to use and will want to use.

So, here is the digital library, featuring qualitative studies conducted with HIV-positive women with findings in two major topical areas: stigma and motherhood. Thank you, and enjoy!

Margarete Sandelowski, PhD, RN, FAAN
Principal Investigator
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, School of Nursing

Julie Barroso, PhD, ANP, CS
Co-Principal Investigator
Duke University School of Nursing