Page 194 - DLIS001_FOUNDATION_OF_LIBRARY_AND_INFORMATION_SCIENCE

Unit 10: Digital and Virtual Libraries

Virtual Library provides remote (online or CD-ROM-based) access to a variety of national and Notes
international content (e.g. curricula, learning materials, books, journals, magazines, newspapers),
services traditionally offered by libraries and other information sources. Virtual Libraries thus
combine materials in electronic format with an electronic network which ensures access to and
delivery of those materials. To become an effective educational tool in the public service, it must
respond to the needs of and provide affordable access for prospective users – students, teachers,
researchers and academics. Emphasis should be given to building up collections that are in the
public domain and that are accessible through, e.g., applications of free software on the basis of
affordable Internet tariffs.

10.4.2 Features of a Virtual Library

Following are the features of a Virtual Library:
It provides speedy and wide access to updated information in a global manner.
It has changed the traditional library system of cataloguing only book materials.

Cataloguing of NBM (Non-Book Materials) includes not only databases but also websites.
Greater emphasis is on access and not on collection.
Time saving

It results in a creation of digital divide because only developed countries with strong
funds for automation and fulfilling infrastructural requirements for Virtual Library can
afford to support Virtual Library services.

10.4.3 Functions of a Virtual Library

The function of a Virtual Library is to ensure the systematic development of the means to collect,
store, and organize information and knowledge in digital form and to provide easy and affordable
access to it around the clock from various locations. In general, a Virtual Library should:
Provide ICT-based access to a range of digitally available publications for educational
purposes available in the public domain and from other sources;

Provide access to distance education materials;
Contribute to the efficient delivery of information to students, researchers and teachers of
all universities and other educational institutions;

Strengthen communication and collaboration between and among the research, library
and educational communities, nationally, regionally and internationally;

Offer lifelong learning opportunities.
10.4.4 Advantages of the Virtual Library

There are many advantages to going virtual. Some of the advantages include the following:

Virtual libraries provide immediate access to a range of resources not available in physical
collections. Virtual libraries allow unprecedented access to information and ideas. A
paradigm shift takes place from libraries as collectors of items to libraries as facilitators of
access to all kinds of information, provided by anybody, located anywhere in the world,
accessible at any time.
Physical libraries operate with designated hours, virtual libraries are available anytime
and anywhere where there is an Internet connection.

LOVELY PROFESSIONAL UNIVERSITY 189