This article presents the narrative accounts of the beginnings of digital library programs in five European national libraries: Biblioteca nacional de Portugal, Bibliotheque nationale de France, Die Deutsche Bibliothek, the National Library of Scotland, and the British Library. Based on interviews with policy makers and developers of digital libraries, this qualitative study examines the influence of culture and local practices during the first wave of development, between 1998 and 2002. The cultural dimension of digital library development is related to organizational structure, technology, and national context for each of the national digital library programs. The analysis identifies distinct models of development, institutionalization time lines, and a repertoire of constructivist approaches to digital library innovation in each of the national libraries. Part I presented institutional histories, methodology, and the theoretical framework guiding analysis and interpretation.