Why do we need digital libraries?  We are living in an information age  We are facing global competitiveness  We need quality assurance  We strive for the best in all ways  We live in a fast lane under time constraint  We need to support our user’s changing needs  We need life-long / distance learning

Electronic resources in digital libraries  Online databases Online databases  E_books  E_journals  Internet resources  CD-ROMs Databases  Online news wire  Multimedia Information System  Selected WWW Resources

Online databases  Multi-resolution seamless image database  Abstract  Bibliographies  Full-text with or without image ( normally in pdf )

Why do we need E_books?  Access anything / anywhere  Authoritative electronic content  Cost effective  Support new methods of teaching and learning

Reasons for E_book preference  No waiting - misconception  Saves money - UR quirk  Available when library is closed  No physical visit required

Ideal E_book system for courses resources  Simultaneous uses course reserves  Easy means to print a personal copy  Text can be loaded onto a portable device

What factors do we consider in selection of E_book?  Content  Interface  Format  Pricing options

Technical Requirement  Opens file within the browser  Requires to download programs e.g. Acrobat Reader  Plug-in programs e.g. Active X or Java ScriptJava Script  Multimedia player’s (Quick Time, media player)Quick Time  Constant need to update  Bandwidth

Special needs for special tools  3D molecular structure inside.html format : MOL, PDB inside.html  Computer-aided drafting n/Floorpln.htm format : CAD n/Floorpln.htm  Maps, aerial photos, geographic information systems format : GIS

Special needs for special tools  Video & sound format : WMP, QT, MP3  Text ( e.g. Adobe Acrobat) format : PDF