IML651 Individual Assignment
IML651 Individual Assignment
ELEK A
SELF-REFLECTION ASSIGNMENT:
PPAS DIGITAL LIBRARY
PREPARED BY:
MUHAMMAD SULAIMAN HAIKAL BIN SAIFULAZHAR
PREPARED FOR:
NOOR RADIAH MAJIDAH BINTI RAZALLI
SUBMISSION DATE:
10 NOVEMBER 2023
TABLE OF CONTENT
NO CONTENT PAGE
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Alhamdulillah, I want to express my gratitude to the Almighty for His blessings. I'm thrilled to
have successfully completed the Digital Library assignment (IML 651). I am deeply thankful to
everyone who has supported and guided me throughout this process, particularly our family,
who has been our constant support from the beginning.
I also want to extend a sincere thank you to Madam NOOR RADIAH MAJIDAH BINTI RAZALLI,
my lecturer, for granting me the opportunity to undertake this assignment. Without her passion
and encouragement, this achievement wouldn't have been possible. I appreciate her excellent
guidance and the time she invested in ensuring the success of this work."
PART 1: PROCESS REFLECTION
1.1 INTRODUCTION
The Perbadanan Perpustakaan Awam Selangor (PPAS) Digital Library, also known as ELIB, is a
digital library service provided by the Selangor Public Library Corporation in Malaysia. This
service caters to a diverse audience and offers an extensive collection of e-books,
encompassing bestsellers, reader's favorites, editor's recommendations, and interactive
e-books. Importantly, ELIB is offered free of charge to all residents of Selangor holding a valid
library card.
One of the primary advantages of ELIB is its convenience and accessibility. To access e-books,
users can choose between two methods: downloading the E-Sentral Reader app or utilizing the
Cloud Reader, giving them flexibility in how they engage with the digital library. Once an e-book
is borrowed, users have the option to either download it to their device for offline reading or read
it directly online. Furthermore, the borrowing process is user-friendly, allowing for e-book
renewals, with a maximum of three renewals, and a generous 14-day loan period.
ELIB serves as an invaluable resource for a broad spectrum of individuals, including students,
researchers, and avid readers. Its accessibility is particularly beneficial for those residing in rural
areas or without access to a physical library. Additionally, ELIB offers a range of user-friendly
features, simplifying the management of one's e-book collection and making it a highly
convenient and user-oriented digital library service.
Absolutely, ELIB has been an incredible help for my studies. The variety of e-books available
and the user-friendly features have made a real impact. I love the feature that lets me search for
e-books by subject. It's so convenient to find exactly what I need for my studies quickly. Plus,
being able to download e-books and read them offline has been a game-changer. It's super
handy, especially when I'm on the move or don't have an internet connection. The option to
renew ebooks up to three times has been a huge relief. It's great to have that extra time if I
haven't finished a book before the loan period ends. Overall, ELIB has made my study life so
much easier. It's been a convenient and accessible way for me to access the resources I need.
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1.2 UTILIZATION PROCESS
Engaging with the Perbadanan Perpustakaan Awam Selangor (PPAS) digital library was a
multifaceted journey that involved a meticulous process of resource gathering, exploration, and
discovery. The utilization of this digital repository involved a series of steps aimed at exploring
the vast expanse of available resources, understanding the organization of materials, facing
challenges, and making decisions pivotal to the user experience.
The PPAS Digital Library, ELIB, stands as an excellent resource for students seeking materials
to bolster their studies. The process of utilizing ELIB for gathering and selecting resources is
relatively straightforward. To begin, I typically start by pinpointing my topic of interest and
compiling a list of relevant keywords. Using ELIB's search function, I scour the database to find
resources that match these keywords. Additionally, I can browse the collection by subject
category or peruse recommendations from fellow users.
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Once I've accumulated a list of resources, my next step involves evaluating each item to
determine its relevance, quality, and usefulness. For relevance, I assess whether the resource
adequately addresses my topic of interest. Then, I gauge the quality of the resource,
considering its coherence, accuracy, and informative value. Lastly, I determine its usefulness in
meeting my learning objectives. Upon assessing these factors, I select the resources that stand
out as the most pertinent, valuable, and high-quality. These chosen resources are then
borrowed from ELIB, and I delve into reading them. For instance, in researching the ebooks that
topic on Islam, I started by identifying my topic and crafting a list of keywords. Using ELIB, I
employed these keywords in searches and also explored subject categories and user
recommendations. In evaluating the resources, I considered factors such as author expertise,
publication date, and publisher reputation to ensure their relevance, quality, and usefulness. The
selected resources were borrowed from ELIB and became the foundation for my research.
My experience with ELIB in gathering and selecting resources has been immensely helpful. I
accessed a wide array of materials, ranging from academic articles to books and reports, all
pertaining to my topic. I found resources authored by field experts and published by reputable
sources, contributing to the robustness of my research. Overall, ELIB proved to be a highly
valuable resource in the process of gathering and selecting materials to support my studies. I
would wholeheartedly recommend ELIB to any student seeking a convenient and accessible
means of accessing pertinent resources within their field of interest.
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1.2.2 Organization and Categorization of Resources
ELIB, the digital library provided by PPAS, offers a diverse and detailed organizational
framework to assist users in navigating its expansive collection. The resources within ELIB are
systematically organized into a variety of categories, enhancing accessibility and making it
easier for users to discover content aligned with their interests.
To begin, ELIB classifies its resources into different categories such as Available Titles,
Magazine, Teen Novels, Accounting & Statistics, Islam, Comics, General Academics, and
several more. This categorization allows users to explore content across a wide spectrum of
interests and disciplines. For instance, a user interested in Statistical Analysis can directly
access resources under "Accounting & Statistics." Furthermore, ELIB provides an extensive
e-book list where users can explore available e-books organized within these categories. Users
have the opportunity to browse based on popularity, bestseller status, and specific genres such
as Teen Novels or Comics. This feature enables users to find the most popular and sought-after
reads within their preferred category.
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ELIB also ensures a seamless user experience by offering a comprehensive guide on borrowing
and reading e-books. This user-friendly guide covers various aspects such as creating an
account, downloading the ELIB app, and the step-by-step process to borrow and read ebooks
on different devices. This guidance is particularly beneficial for newcomers, aiding in their
smooth navigation and utilization of the platform's functionalities.
Moreover, ELIB highlights different categories of e-books such as bestsellers, readers' choices,
editors' choices, and interactive books. Bestselling ebooks, as well as readers' and editors'
choices, offer users a glimpse into popular and highly recommended reads. Additionally, the
display of interactive books showcases content known for its engaging and immersive learning
experiences. For example, a user interested in Comics might explore the "Editors' Choice" to
find recommended resources by the ELIB team. In summary, ELIB's diverse and comprehensive
organizational structure makes it simpler for users to explore resources across multiple
categories, offering an array of content that caters to various interests and preferences.
Furthermore, while ELIB offers a decent collection for popular subjects, it often lacks a
comprehensive range of resources for niche or more specific topics. For example, exploring
general subjects like 'Global Economic Trends,' I found that the library's collection lacked
detailed resources on emerging economic shifts and specific regional impacts. This meant I had
to look for additional materials from other sources, extending my research time and creating
inconvenience by needing to check multiple platforms for a broader understanding of my
specialized subject. Reflecting on my student experience, I've found that ELIB, while serving
well for general subjects, could significantly benefit from the inclusion of a publication date filter
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in its search features. This enhancement would greatly aid students like me who require
up-to-date information or wish to explore more specialized and detailed research topics.
Regarding design, I value simplicity and user-friendliness. Reflecting on my use of ELIB, I've
appreciated clear language, straightforward navigation, and an engaging yet clean layout. I
believe a design that emphasizes usability and engagement, employing high-quality imagery
and an intuitive layout, is crucial for an enhanced user experience. Consistency with PPAS
branding is also vital, ensuring a cohesive look and feel in line with the organization's image and
other materials.
When it comes to interactivity, educational value, engagement, and accessibility are pivotal.
From my experience, I've found that interactive elements should not only enhance learning but
also be engaging and accessible. This involves features that stimulate learning, provide
challenges, and cater to various learning styles and abilities.
Taking into account these factors, decisions about ELIB's format, design, and interactivity would
be made. For instance, drawing from the need for accessibility and compatibility, I might choose
the EPUB format as it supports both a variety of devices and interactive features. I'd opt for a
minimalist and intuitive design to ensure ease of navigation, and I'd incorporate interactive
elements like quizzes and simulations to engage users and enhance the learning experience.
These decisions aim to create an environment within ELIB that is user-centric, easily accessible,
and engaging for a diverse audience.
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1.3 USER EXPERIENCE
Based on my experience as a student using ELIB, the platform excels in usability, navigation,
and multimedia and interactive elements, contributing to a user-friendly and engaging
experience.
ELIB's website is responsive across devices, ensuring that students can access and use the
platform seamlessly from anywhere. The text size and button accessibility are optimized for
ease of reading and navigation, even on smaller screens. The website's well-structured
interface with clearly defined headings and subheadings further enhances usability, making it
easy for students to find the resources they need quickly and easily. For example, when
searching on the category of Higher Education, with clear headings and subheadings facilitated
efficient resource location. This clear structure saved time and offered a focused exploration,
enabling me to easily pinpoint the precise resources aligned with my research needs.
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As a user of ELIB, I can attest to the platform's clear and concise website navigation, which has
significantly eased the process of finding essential resources. The top-positioned navigation
menu includes key sections such as the e-book list, borrowing guidelines, language
preferences, and a search bar. This layout has been instrumental in my swift access to the
diverse array of e-books. Moreover, the bottom section's integration of contact details and
specific desktop download options has further enhanced my experience, ensuring easy access
to support and desktop app downloads.on, control, and tailoring the search to fit the specific
needs and preferences of the user.
Delving into a more detailed breakdown of the navigation menu, the 'e-book list' section stands
as a gateway to browsing and borrowing ebooks, providing a broad selection of resources.
Additionally, the 'borrowing guidelines' segment offers valuable insights into the borrowing
process, facilitating a smooth user experience. 'Language' preferences have been particularly
beneficial, enabling users to customize their interface language. The 'search bar' provides an
efficient method to explore specific titles, authors, aiding in precise resource location.
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Furthermore, the bottom section offers enhanced accessibility by providing 'contact' details for
quick user support and 'email' and 'tel' options for immediate communication. The 'download for
desktop' feature caters to diverse user preferences by offering a hassle-free way to download
the ELIB desktop app, ensuring access from Windows or macOS devices.
As a user and student, I find the lack of multimedia and interactive elements in ELIB to be a
significant drawback. Multimedia and interactive elements can make the learning process more
engaging and effective, and they can also help to make digital libraries more accessible to users
with different learning styles.
For example, when I am researching a topic, I often find it helpful to be able to watch videos,
listen to audio recordings, or view interactive maps and timelines. These elements can help me
to better understand the topic I am studying and to connect the information to the real world.
Additionally, I find that interactive elements can be a great way to learn and practice new skills.
For example, if I am studying a foreign language, I might find it helpful to use an interactive
language learning tool or to play a game that practices my grammar and vocabulary skills.
Unfortunately, ELIB does not offer any of these types of multimedia or interactive elements. This
is a missed opportunity, as multimedia and interactive elements could make ELIB a more
valuable resource for students and researchers. However, I believe that it could be improved by
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adding multimedia and interactive elements. I encourage the PPAS Digital Library team to
consider my suggestions and to work on making ELIB a more engaging and informative
experience for all users.
Considering the needs of potential users is essential when designing any product or service.
This is especially important for digital libraries, which serve a wide range of users with diverse
needs. Students need access to e-books on a variety of academic topics, while researchers
need access to e-books on a variety of specialized topics. Casual readers may be interested in
e-books on a variety of popular topics, or they may be looking for e-books that are well-reviewed
by other users.
For example ELIB should consider the needs of potential users like students. Students need
access to a wide range of e-books on a variety of topics, including academic texts, fiction, and
non-fiction. They also need to be able to create and manage their own ebook collections, and to
share their collections with other students. ELIB meets these needs by offering a wide range of
e-books, allowing users to create and manage their own collections, and providing a way for
users to share their collections with other users.
Moreover, ELIB should consider the needs of potential users like researchers. Researchers
need access to a wide range of e-books on a variety of topics, including academic texts and
non-fiction. They also need to be able to search for e-books by ISBN number or by keywords in
the table of contents. ELIB meets these needs by offering a wide range of e-books and allowing
users to search for e-books by a variety of criteria.
Next, ELIB should consider the needs of potential users like casual readers. Casual readers
need access to a wide range of e-books on a variety of topics, including fiction and non-fiction.
They also want to be able to find e-books that are popular and well-received by other users.
ELIB meets these needs by offering a wide range of e-books, highlighting popular and
well-received e-books, and allowing users to browse ebooks by popularity, bestseller, readers'
choice, and editors' choice.
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1.4 INTERACTIONS
Interactions with ELIB have been varied, enhancing my overall user experience and facilitating
research, learning, and exploration in diverse ways. The platform's multifaceted features and
resources have significantly contributed to my academic journey. I have used ELIB to browse
and search for resources, borrow and read e-books, create and manage collections
ELIB's browsing and search features make it easy to find the resources I need. I can browse by
subject category, bestseller, readers' choice, editors' choice, and interactive books, or search for
resources by title, and author. This flexibility has been helpful for me in finding resources for
research papers, courses, and personal enrichment.
Moreover, I appreciate the ability to borrow and read e-books from ELIB. The loan period is
generous, The ease of borrowing books directly from the platform has saved time, allowing
quick access to necessary reading materials.
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Next is managing collection. ELIB's collection feature allows me to organize my e-books in a
way that makes sense to me. The activation list contains ebooks that are currently active and
borrowed by the users displaying the activation ID and activation date. While, in the reading list
displaying ebooks in more detail with access to read or return to the shelf. In the reserve list,
containing ebooks that are currently reserved by the users.
The PPAS Digital Library, ELIB, has been an invaluable resource for me, providing me with
access to a vast array of knowledge that I could not have found elsewhere.I have used ELIB to
learn about new topics such as the application of information technology and communication.
One of the new insights I have gained from ELIB is ICT is a broad field that encompasses a
wide range of technologies, including computers, the internet, and mobile devices. ICT can be
used to improve communication, collaboration, and productivity in a variety of settings, including
education, healthcare, and business.
Another new insight I have gained from ELIB is the role that higher education can play in
promoting social justice. Higher education can provide students with the knowledge and skills
they need to make a positive impact on the world. For example, students who study social
justice can go on to work as advocates for marginalized groups or to develop policies that
promote equity and inclusion.
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Beyond specific subjects, using ELIB has taught me vital skills in information assessment. I've
learned how to identify trustworthy sources and synthesize information from different places to
form my own educated views on a topic. This process has also enhanced my ability to
effectively convey complex ideas to others, a skill that's proven valuable in various aspects of
my academic and professional life.
As a user of the PPAS Digital Library (ELIB), I have learned a lot about how to improve my
research and information literacy skills. Developing effective research and information literacy
skills in ELIB involves employing specific keywords and using the available filters to refine
search results. ELIB's search functionality, though limited, incentivizes the use of precise terms,
aiding in quickly pinpointing pertinent information.
When exploring the e-book list by subject category, I've found it to be an excellent starting point
for comprehending the diverse array of topics available in ELIB. This browsing method allows
users to discover various subjects and locate e-books relevant to specific interests.
Subsequently, employing the filters enables users to fine-tune their search, saving time and
ensuring access to the most applicable resources. ELIB allows users to filter their search results
by popularity, bestseller, readers' choice, editors' choice, and interactive books. This can be
helpful for finding e-books that are relevant to your interests or that are well-received by other
users.
By using these techniques, ELIB has greatly enhanced my research and information literacy
skills. I've honed the ability to identify and use specific keywords to yield more targeted results,
expediting the search process. Utilizing filters in ELIB has significantly improved my efficiency in
sifting through vast amounts of information. This has ensured that I spend less time sorting
through irrelevant resources and more time delving into content that aligns with my interests and
requirements. These practices have not only streamlined my research but have also fortified my
proficiency in navigating digital libraries like ELIB, reinforcing my information literacy skills.
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2.1.3 Deepened or Evolved Knowledge
In addition to exploring new subjects, ELIB has also helped me to broaden my comprehension
of familiar topics in computer science. For example, I have read e-books and articles on a
variety of topics in computer science, such as data structures, algorithms, and software
engineering. ELIB's collection has exposed me to diverse perspectives on these topics, which
has helped me to develop a more nuanced understanding of them.
ELIB has enhanced my ability to communicate complex ideas effectively in a number of ways.
First, ELIB's extensive collection of resources has allowed me to consolidate information from
different sources and to develop a comprehensive understanding of various subjects. This has
enabled me to present more well-informed and nuanced viewpoints on complex topics.
Using ELIB has significantly improved my digital literacy skills, which are essential in today's
digital world. The platform's design and features have sharpened my ability to navigate digital
resources and understand information in a technology-driven environment.
Engaging with ELIB has refined my ability to conduct targeted and efficient searches. I've
learned to use specific keywords and employ various filters to narrow down results, facilitating
quicker access to relevant information. These refined search techniques are vital in an era
where vast amounts of data are accessible, enabling more precise and focused exploration.
Rewrite this clearly and longer
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ELIB's user-friendly interface and powerful organizational features make it an ideal platform for
managing personal ebook collections. By creating custom shelves, users can categorize their
e-books in a way that makes sense to them, facilitating efficient browsing and retrieval.This
includes organizing and curating digital resources according to various subjects or interests,
which not only facilitates easier access but also promotes effective resource management in a
digital environment.
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ELIB exceeded my expectations as a learning resource, supporting my personal learning goals
beyond fulfilling course objectives. Specifically, my interest in business intelligence systems was
piqued and nurtured by ELIB's comprehensive collection of up-to-date e-books, articles. The
resources on data analytics and decision support systems, coupled with practical exercises,
immensely contributed to my understanding and application of business intelligence techniques.
Despite not encountering any unforeseen outcomes or connections to course content, ELIB
consistently impressed me with its in-depth and high-quality resources. Its consistent provision
of relevant and high-quality materials significantly contributed to my learning journey.
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PART 3: CONCLUSION AND TAKEAWAYS
3.1 CONCLUSION
My experience with ELIB has been remarkably enriching, leaving me with several significant
takeaways. The digital library seamlessly aligned with the objectives of my Information System
Management course and exceeded my personal learning goals, offering a diverse and
comprehensive range of resources. My journey with ELIB has been transformative, providing
me with profound insights and invaluable lessons.
The user-friendly interface provided a seamless and efficient learning experience. ELIB's
support for self-paced learning empowered me to tailor my educational journey, focusing on
topics that were most relevant to my academic and personal interests. This adaptability, coupled
with the platform's emphasis on critical thinking through source evaluation, significantly
enhanced my digital literacy skills.
A notable consideration is the absence of advanced search features within ELIB. While this
limitation did not hinder my overall experience, I see it as a potential area for improvement. The
introduction of more advanced search functionalities, such as searching by ISBN number or
keywords in the table of contents, could further enhance the platform's usability and provide
users with a more nuanced and efficient way to explore its extensive resources.
In conclusion, ELIB has served as an invaluable asset, supporting my academic success and
catalyzing personal growth. Its role in expanding my knowledge, refining my digital literacy skills,
and offering a flexible and engaging learning environment has been instrumental in shaping my
academic journey. I wholeheartedly recommend ELIB to fellow learners, recognizing its potential
to enhance the educational experience across various fields of study.
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3.2 Future Applications
The skills, knowledge, and insights I gained from ELIB will be very helpful in my future academic
and professional work.
The proficiency in digital literacy acquired by navigating a digital library, critically evaluating
sources, and effectively utilizing online resources will be directly transferable to future academic
research. In an era where digital literacy is crucial, these skills will empower me to adeptly
navigate various databases and online repositories, ensuring the reliability and relevance of the
information I access. ELIB's emphasis on self-paced learning and the ability to tailor educational
journeys according to personal interests has equipped me with adaptive learning skills. This
flexibility is invaluable in future academic pursuits, enabling me to customize my learning
experiences, delve into niche topics, and stay engaged with evolving subject matter.
The process of identifying, evaluating, and selecting resources from ELIB has sharpened my
research skills, directly benefiting future academic projects. This proficiency will empower me to
conduct comprehensive literature reviews, cite credible sources, and synthesize information
effectively. ELIB's encouragement of critical thinking in evaluating the credibility and relevance
of resources has cultivated a mindset essential for problem-solving. This skill is not only
beneficial in academic research but also applicable in professional settings where complex
issues require careful analysis and thoughtful decision-making.
Furthermore, ELIB has instilled a sense of curiosity and a commitment to continuous learning.
This mindset is vital in professional settings where staying updated with industry trends and
advancements is key to success.In essence, the skills and knowledge acquired through ELIB
will serve as a solid foundation, providing me with the tools necessary to navigate the
complexities of both academic research and professional endeavors. The adaptability, critical
thinking, and continuous learning mindset cultivated through this experience position me well for
success in the ever-evolving landscapes of academia and the professional world.
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REFERENCES
PPAS Digital Library - eLib eBook Portal. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://ppas.elib.com.my/
ELIB, PPAS Digital Library – Perbadanan Perpustakaan Awam Selangor. (n.d.). Retrieved from
https://www.ppas.gov.my/en/elib-ppas-digital-library/
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