Definition Digital Libraries are defined as the new way of carrying out the functions of Libraries such as : New type of information resources New approaches to acquisition Intensive use of Electronic system and networks Dramatic shift in intellectual, organisational and electronic practices

Digital Libraries : New role for Information Professionals Prof. R.Vohra Chairperson Deptt. of Lib. & Inf. Sc. Panjab University, Chd.

Terminology used Electronic library Virtual library Hybrid library Digital Library

Need of Digital Libraries Since the information can be digitized the participant libraries are coming together to convert the holdings to electronic form and then putting them on the network. The technology for electronic transfer of information is developing rapidly such as electronic publishing, electronic storage, processing and delivery of information.

Technology for Digital Library The digitization requires certain technologies such as : Computer Technology Storage Technologies Processing Technology Communication Technology Display Technology

Various interface design for Digital Libraries Plain text interface Image based interface Hyper text based interface Book like interface Mixed strategy

Methodology of building digital collections Inhouse digitization Of the Shelf purchase On-line access to data bases Key Functions of digital libraries Access to large digital collection Support multi-media content Network accessibility User friendly interface Supports collection development Organisation access and preservation of information

Services provided by Digital library Shared cataloguing Union catalogues On-line catalogues Document delivery service Inter-library loan service Electronic Mail Bulletin Board CAS and SDI service

Advantages of Digital libraries Ability to search Multiple access Wide range of material Preservation Space conservation Time saving

Barriers/Constraints Cost Intellectual Property Right Security Lack of Expertise

Key components of Digital Libraries Geographically distributed digital information collection Geographically distributed users Information represented by variety of digital objects Large and diversed collection Seamless access