Electronic Library

Name : Nurhasan
Npm : 08211210078
Class : 5A – morning
Subject : writing in professional context 2
Theme : education

Electronic Library

In discussing the electronic library various terms have been used almost interchangeably: the electronic library, the virtual library and the digital library. The electronic library is part of a wider networked environment which offers access to a wide range of materials including internal management information about the host institution and its working environment. It is an organized environment yet paradoxically facilitates extremely anarchic patterns of use. User understanding or lack of it will necessarily influence judgments about its effectiveness. Users may view it as just a collection of computers in a room or as a collection of software packages and networked services which have no essential link with electronic information. It gives virtual access to book and journal collection and database. Some of data contained in these services may be bibliographical control data or metadata, rather than full text. Sources might include bibliographic database as well as full text sources and paper sources which are, at least, ‘virtually’ accessed through the OPAC. It augments the traditional materials provided by library service with electronic to datasets and images such as video clips which might be used for educational purposes. The service is less building and direct access dependent than the traditional library. The library is the interface to electronic data providing remote access including 24 hour access. Navigational aids and resources are usually provided in the form of ‘hot linked’ web pages. The electronic library redefines the concept of the user and introduces the idea of the ‘virtual visitor’ or user. The user is no longer someone who ‘comes in’ and observes set opening hours. There is no defined service period. Users may be accessing the electronic library remotely from home or work and may be seen only infrequently by librarians. Skill levels of users are very variable and may not necessarily be defined by traditional stakeholder groups. It might be necessary to redefine stakeholder groups based on skill levels. Older people or non traditional students who conventionally have lower IT skills levels than full time students. There are likely to be ‘regular’ among the user group such as overseas students in higher education or enthusiastic school children in public libraries.