Advantages and Disadvantages of Digital Libraries: A Study

1
Ganesamoorthy, M. (Dr.), 2Selvakamal, P. and 3Thangavel, P. (Dr.)
1
Librarian, KSR Institute for Engineering and Technology, Tirunchengode, Namakkal
3Research Scholar, Department of LIS, Gobi Arts and Science College, Gobichettipalayam
3
Librarian, Department of LIS, Gobi Arts and Science College, Gobichettipalayam
Abstract
The notion of library has been transformed by advances in information and communication technology.
Each library is gradually becoming digitized. A 'digital library' is a collection of digital collections,
services, and infrastructure designed to enable lifelong learning, research, scholarly communication,
and the preservation and protection of our recorded knowledge. It is also a process of information
democratization. This research paper will cover the elements that will force the digitization of
conventional libraries, as well as the definition, need, benefits and drawbacks of digital libraries, the
requirements for constructing a digital library, and so on. The focus is also placed on describing the
librarian's position in the new environment.
Keywords: Digital Libraries, Definitions, Major Issues, Resources, challenges
Introduction
When numerous types of information, such as an item, text, sound, picture, or voice, are turned into a
single binary code, the word digitization is frequently employed. The core of the process is the
compromise between the capturing device and the player device to ensure that the rendered result
represents the original source with the greatest fidelity possible, and the advantage of digitization is the
speed and accuracy with which this form of information can be transmitted with no degradation when
compared to analog information. Digital information is characterized as a binary number, consisting of
either a zero or a one. These digits are referred to as bits, which are a contraction of binary digits, and
the sequences of zeroes and ones that represent information are referred to as bytes. Analog signals are
constantly changing, both in terms of the number of possible values present at any given moment and
the number of points present in a given time frame. Digital signals, however, are separate in both
respects – typically a sequence of integers – and thus a digitization can only ever approximate the
signal it represents in practice.
The importance and use of print media is gradually being replaced by electronic resources such as CD-
ROMs, electronic databases, electronic journals, electronic books, audio-visuals, images, OPCs and the
internet. The government has taken steps to introduce facilities in educational institutions for the
benefit of research scholars, as information resources, particularly journals, are becoming increasingly
costly due to their digital availability. Universities and educational institutions have proposed to
optimize the use of these resources by sharing them over the network, which is available through
consortia such as INFLIBNET. This paper presents a comprehensive overview of library automation,
networking and emerging electronic technologies in contemporary libraries.
Definition of Digital Library
The digital library, according to E.A. Fox (Fox, 1999), is a "new way of carrying out the functions of
libraries, encompassing new types of information resources, new approaches to classification and
cataloguing, intensive use of electronic systems and networks, and dramatic shifts in intellectual,

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 Advantages and Disadvantages of Digital Libraries: A Study

organizational, and electronic practices." There's a lot of different ways to describe a digital library, and
we often use terms like electronic library and virtual library interchangeably. The digital library isn't a
one-size-fits-all thing. It needs technology to connect the resources of many people, and the
connections between the digital libraries and the information services are clear to the people who use
them. The goal is for everyone to be able to access the digital libraries and services. The digital library
collections don't just include documents - they also include digital artifacts that can't be represented or
printed.
Need and Purpose of Digital Libraries: Libraries have been around for centuries and have changed
the way society works. But when it comes to the impact and influence that digital libraries have had, it's
hard to compare. The knowledge society has been taking advantage of digital libraries for a long time,
and it's still doing so today. The information revolution has not only created the technology that powers
digital libraries, but it's also created a huge demand for storing, organizing, and accessing information.
Digital libraries are like the banks where it's stored, and they offer a lot of advantages over traditional
libraries, like lower maintenance costs, easier access to resources, and more equitable and widely
distributed access at lower costs. Archival preservation, such as manuscripts, historical literary works,
cultural relics, and communal identities, has been suggested as an important use for digital libraries.
Legal documentation such as government documentation of plans and policies, legal case histories,
census and statistical data, geographical data, and other pertinent information that may be made public;
as well as scholarly publication, theses, research work, and providing reference material.
The Advantages and Disadvantages of Digital Library: Digital libraries are a great way to access
and interact with information, but they also come with some drawbacks. You can access a huge range
of materials from your own home, so you don't have to go to a library. Plus, digital libraries often have
powerful search features, so you can quickly find what you're looking for or narrow down your search
criteria. It's also easy to share and collaborate, so you can share links, do research, and join discussions.
But one downside is that digital libraries are heavily reliant on technology, so if something goes wrong,
like a server outage or data loss, you might not be able to access the full range of materials. On top of
that, there's also the issue of authenticity and reliability, since digital sources can sometimes be
unreliable.
Advantages of Digital Libraries
Superior Convenience and Accessibility: One of the most significant advantages of digital libraries is
the incredible ease and accessibility they give. Gone are the days of physically looking through endless
shelves or waiting for a specific book to become available. Users may access a large diversity of
materials using their computers, cellphones, or tablets with only a few clicks at any time and from any
location. Whether it's a rare book, a scientific essay, or a multimedia presentation, the digital library
puts information to our fingertips, removing geographical obstacles and saving crucial time.
Extensive Collection and Powerful Search Capabilities: Digital libraries have a huge collection of
materials that's way bigger than what you'd find in a physical library. From classic books to the newest
research papers, digital libraries have something for everyone. Plus, they often have advanced search
features that let you quickly find what you're looking for. With advanced search tools like search
engines, metadata tags and keyword searches, you can easily find what you need or narrow down your
searches, making it easier to do your own research and discovery.

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Cost-Effective and Sustainable: Digital libraries are a great way to save money for both users and
institutions. They don't take up a lot of space, so you don't have to worry about building upkeep,
shelving, or stapling. Plus, you can print, ship, and store digital materials without any physical
limitations. Taking advantage of the digital library model means you can use your resources to improve
other services, like educational programs or cutting-edge tech, and ultimately benefit your users.
Global Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing: Digital libraries make it easy to share links to
resources, collaborate on projects, and have conversations with people from all over the world. This
makes it easier to share ideas, research ideas, and different perspectives. People from all walks of life,
like scholars, students, and enthusiasts, can come together, share ideas, and contribute to the knowledge
pool. It's a way to get ideas across borders and make the world a better place.
Preservation and Archiving: Libraries have a critical obligation to preserve and archive significant
information. In this regard, digital libraries shine, providing rigorous preservation strategies to conserve
essential works for future generations. Digital libraries improve the lifespan and accessibility of fragile
manuscripts, rare books, and historical records by digitizing them, reducing the danger of damage or
loss due to physical degradation. Furthermore, because digital archives can be quickly reproduced and
preserved in various locations, the chance of irreplaceable items being lost forever is reduced.
No Physical Boundary: One of the primary benefits of a digital library is its capacity to cross physical
borders. Unlike traditional libraries, which require people to be physically present at a certain area,
digital libraries may be accessed from anywhere in the globe. Whether you're a student studying abroad
or a researcher in a remote location, the digital library guarantees that information is always at your
fingertips. This removes the boundaries imposed by distance and geography, offering up a world of
resources to people all over the world.
Multiple Accesses: Another great thing about digital libraries is that they can handle multiple people
accessing the same thing at the same time. With traditional libraries, it can be hard to figure out how
many people can access a certain resource at once, which can lead to delays or problems. But with
digital libraries, you don't have to worry about that - you can have a bunch of people access the same
thing all at once without any physical restrictions.
Efficient Information Retrieval: Digital libraries use cutting-edge search and retrieval tools to make it
easier for people to find what they're looking for. You can use different search terms like author name,
keyword, publication date, or subject category to quickly find what you're looking for. Plus, digital
libraries usually have extra features like suggested readings, articles related to your interests, or
recommendations based on what you like. All of this helps you find new sources, explore different
perspectives, and get more out of your learning.
Disadvantages of Digital Libraries
Copyright: One significant drawback of digital libraries is the difficult problem of copyright.
Copyright limitations and license agreements that govern how users access, use, and distribute digital
content are common. Navigating copyright rules and maintaining compliance can be difficult for both
library managers and users, perhaps limiting the availability or restricting the usage of particular
materials.
Speed of Access: Digital libraries give you the advantage of being able to access stuff right away, but
there are a few things that can slow you down. If you have a slow internet connection, a lot of people

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using the same server at the same time, or if there's a lot of people online during peak times, you might
find yourself having to wait a while to get or download stuff. This can be really annoying, especially if
you don't have a lot of internet bandwidth or if you're in an area with unreliable internet.
Initial Cost is High: The development of a digital library necessitates a significant initial investment in
hardware, software, preservation systems, and personnel training. The costs associated with digitizing
print materials, producing metadata, and creating user interfaces can be significant. These initial costs
may be prohibitive for smaller institutions or those with limited financial resources, making it difficult
to create comprehensive digital library collections.
Environment Issue: Digital libraries are often seen as more eco-friendly than print libraries because
they don't use as much paper, but their environmental impact needs to be looked at from all angles.
Data center energy, server upkeep, and the need for tech updates all add to the carbon footprint. Plus,
getting rid of old electronic devices and managing electronic waste are all environmental issues that
need to be taken care of.
Conclusion
For several years, libraries have been facing a difficult set of challenges. To meet the needs of the user
community, libraries and information centers must overcome these obstacles and look to the future to
improve information services. Adopting digital technology is essential for keeping up with the needs of
the modern world. It is likely that the world will soon have digital libraries interconnected to meet the
needs of academia and research within a short period of time. Before digital libraries take control of the
library and information network, archiving laws in the country will continue to expand. LIS and
computer science professionals will be faced with challenges that will result in improved systems.
Increasingly, libraries will have digital library departments and programs. Digital libraries will build on
the work already done in the information and data management field. Digital libraries provide an
effective way to disseminate learning resources to students and other users.
References
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3. Pandey, P., &Misra, R. (2014). Digitization of library materials in academic libraries: Issues and
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