Basic Concepts of Digital Library
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Digital libraries are defined as collections of digital objects, including various media formats, and provide access and retrieval methods for users. They differ from traditional libraries and websites by offering unlimited access points, multimedia content, and structured metadata, enabling easier updates and information sharing. The growth of digital libraries is influenced by advancements in technology, such as cheaper electronic storage and improved network capabilities.
Basic Concepts of Digital Library
- 2. Digital Library “a focused collection of digital objects, including text, video, and audio, along with methods for access and retrieval, and for selection, organization, and maintenance of the collection.” – IanH.Witten
- 3. Digital Library • DigitalObjects– text, audio, video, 3D objects, simulations, dynamic visualizations, virtual-realityworlds • Access and retrieval methods– for theuser • selection, organization, and maintenance– for the librarian / library staff
- 4. Digital Library • “An organization, which might be virtual, that comprehensively collects, manages and preserves for the long term rich digital content, and offers to its user communities specialized functionality on that content, of measurable quality and according to codified policies” - DELOS Digital Library ReferenceModel
- 6. Libraries without walls • Digitallibraries are libraries withoutwalls. • They do not have geographical barriers for access. • However, they do have boundaries in respect of contentand purpose.
- 7. Distinct fromWWW • Digitallibraries are differentfrom theWorld Wide Web. • The Web lacks theessentialfeaturesof selection and organization.
- 8. Different fromWebsite • DLs are differentfrom Websites. • Websites may not have methods for search and retrieval of information. • Every fileon a website may not have metadataand an identifier. • In a website, more emphasis is on thepresentation.
- 9. Traditional Libraries vs. Digital Libraries Traditional Libraries Digital Libraries Predominantly Print Collection All resources in digital form Stable, with slow evolution Dynamic and ephemeral Individual objects not directly linked with each other Multi-media and linked objects Flat structure with minimal contextual metadata Rich data structures and richer contextual metadata Limited access points and centralized management Unlimited access points, distributed collections and access control The physical and logical organization correlated The physical and logical organization may be virtual One way interactions Dynamic real-time interface
- 10. Basic Concepts
- 11. Collection • DLs hold any informationthatcan be encoded as sequence of bits. • Sometimesthese are digitized versions of conventional media (such as text, images, music, sound recordings, specifications and designs, and many more formats) • As DLs expand, moreborndigital documentstakeplace of legacydocuments
- 12. Data and Metadata • Datais thegeneraltermused todenoteinformationthatis encoded in digitalform. • Metadatais dataabout otherdata. • Metadatais theinformationwhich describes thepropertiesofa document/object. • Metadatacan beclassifiedinto: – DescriptiveMetadata: bibliographicinformation – StructuralMetadata: Formatsandstructures – AdministrativeMetadata: rights,permissionsandotherinformation usedtomanageaccessanduse
- 13. Digital Object • An Itemstored in a digital library is referred to asdigitalobject or documentor resource. • A digital object typically consists of data, associated metadata, and an identifier.
- 14. Need for Digital Libraries
- 15. DL brings the library to the User • A user has to physically visit a traditional library to access information. • Generally, access is restricted by membership. • A DL brings the informationto theuser’s desk • DLs can be accessed at any place: home, office, Internetcafé, etc. • Hence, DL brings the library to theUser
- 16. Computing Poweris used for searching & browsing • In a traditional library, browsing and searching are time- consuming. • Searching & browsing requires some skill. • In a DL, computer systems are used for searching & browsing. • Computer systems are better thanmanualmethodsof finding information.
- 17. Information can be shared • Placinginformationin digital format on a network makes information available to everyone. • Physical duplication of documentsis laborious and time- consuming. • DLs provide seamless, concurrent access to multipleusers.
- 18. Easier to keep informationup-to-date • It is difficultto update print documentsoften. • The entire documenthas to be reprinted and all old versions should be replaced. • It is easier to update digital documents. • Easier to trace old versions and replace themwith the updated one.
- 19. Information is alwaysavailable • ‘The doorsof digital libraries neverclose. • The scope of digital collections expand wellbeyond the walls of the library. • Anytimeavailability of informationensures continuous, seamless access. • Informationis likely to be availablewhereverandwhenever users want.
- 20. New forms of presentation • DLs make it possible to present informationin newformats. • Some types of informationcannot be presented effectively in text. E.g. 3D simulations, virtual reality objects, games • They need newforms of presentation. • DLs make this possible
- 21. Technologiesinfluencinggrowth ofdigital libraries • Electronic Storage: becoming cheaper thanprint • Computer displays have become more pleasantto use. • High-speednetworks are becoming common • Computers have become portable