Knowledge Management in

Higher Education Institutions

Volume - II

Editors:
Dr. K.S. Shivraj
Dr. Phayung Meesad
Dr. Akhilesh Kumar Sharma
 Navigating the Digital Landscape: A Study on the
Effectiveness of E-Resources
T. S. Somashekhar1, S. Shamala2 and Dr. Vitthal Bagalkoti3
1&2
Research Scholar, 3Assistant Professor & Library Officer,
1,2&3
CMR University, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
E-mail: [email protected]

Abstract
This article delves into the diverse dimensions of electronic resources and assesses their efficacy
within academic libraries. The advent of digital technology has significantly expedited and
simplified the application of accumulated knowledge. This wealth of information, amassed over
the years, becomes imperative for future research, societal transformation, and overall progress.
Electronic resources offer solutions to storage challenges and facilitate the efficient flow of
knowledge, making digitized print and electronic repositories increasingly vital for academic
institutions. The integration of technology has prompted libraries to introduce new elements into
their catalogs, with e-resources emerging as the most prominent addition. This document outlines
the necessity of e-resources, elucidates their advantages, assesses the effectiveness of their
utilization, explores various kinds of e-resources and their services, and concludes with an
overview that discusses both the merits and demerits of these valuable assets.
Keywords: E-Resources, Academic Libraries, Knowledge Management, Digitized print

Introduction
Libraries, spanning public, research, academic, and special categories, have consistently shown
interest in adopting the latest technologies to enhance services and improve operational efficiency.
The contemporary focus is on implementing emerging technologies, particularly electronic
resources (e-resources), which offer the possibility of reducing expenses and improved
management of collections and patron services. E-resources encompass electronically accessible
information, available through devices such as computers, laptops, mobile devices, and tablets,
either locally, globally via the internet (Johnson et al., 2012).

Various forms of digital things, including e-books, e-journals, interactive items, and multimedia
titles, are becoming integral for libraries adapting to the changing landscape of the 21st century.
The rapid growth of e-media is transforming libraries into entities prioritizing e-services. On one
hand, there's a demand for a richer library collection, while on the other, the publishing industry is
challenged to keep up with this demand through swift e-publishing and online access (Venkadesan
et al., 2004).

Ranganathan’ s fifth law, stipulating that the library is a growing organism (Ranganathan, 2006),
emphasizes the imperative for libraries to continually expand. Although physical space constraints
may seem less urgent in the digital era, libraries grapple with challenges related to electronic
information and the ongoing importance of analog content. Despite the rise of e-resources,
libraries continue to manage storage issues, and the creation of new print content persists without
altering the pace of expansion.

Looking ahead, Lancaster's vision of a fully digital world may not materialize in the near future.
Librarians face ongoing challenges in balancing bookshelf space with electronic terminal space to
meet the ever-expanding needs of users. Both the libraries and the librarianship profession are
growing organizations, with the demand for expanded services requiring additional training and

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 Navigating the Digital Landscape: A Study on the Effectiveness of E-Resources

expertise. The fifth law, in a marketing context, underscores the need for libraries to adapt to
future consumer needs, mobilize resources, and address emerging user requirements, programs,
user groups, and global shifts. Libraries must continually update their programs and embrace new
technologies to stay ahead. Employee literacy in science is essential, and the efficient
implementation of marketing strategies is crucial for libraries and information facilities to thrive.

Objectives of the Study

1. Identify and categorize the diverse types of e-resources accessible on a global scale.
2. Systematically outline the advantages and disadvantages inherent in the utilization of e-
resources.
3. To know the efficient utilization of e-resources within library settings.
4. Investigate the necessity and advantages associated with the utilization of electronic resources
(e-resources).

Review of Literature
A review of the literature was conducted to set the stage for the research.

Hossaini (2017) completed a study on two chosen university libraries titled "Use and Impact of
Electronic Resources." Primary and secondary data collecting is discovered to be the methodology
employed in this study—secondary data was gathered from earlier research projects and primary
data was obtained via survey questionnaires. Another major area of interest for this research is the
study of how users are affected by electronic resources. Hossaini (2017) concludes that electronic
resources in intuitional libraries are increasing daily as a result. The library's traditional books are
being replaced with electronic resources. It is also noticeable that using electronic resources has
advantages and disadvantages.

Ananda (2017) carried out a research study titled "use and awareness of electronic information
resources among UG & PG students at T John College, Bangalore: A study." According to the
survey, 81% of respondents claimed to be aware of electronic information resources, while 19%
claimed to be unaware of them. Project research is the main goal of students' use of electronic
information services.

Mwantimwa, K; Mwabungulu, E; Kassim, M (2021) the study reveals variations in the utilization
of e-resources for teaching and research across the participating universities. Open access
resources play a more significant role in supporting these activities compared to subscribed
resources. Challenges such as limited access to full-text articles, insufficient search skills, and
slow internet speed hinder effective utilization.

Nevertheless, the study confirms the positive impact of e-resources on teaching and research. To
enhance usage, the study recommends increased collaboration between librarians and academic
staff through outreach and marketing initiatives.

Need of E-Resources
The evolving landscape of education is transitioning from conventional learning methods to a
more digitized and intelligent approach, facilitated by the use of modern electronic devices.
Today's technologically adept learners engage in knowledge acquisition by accessing e-documents
conveniently, irrespective of location or time, covering a wide range of subjects. This study is
conducted to assess the efficacy of electronic resources in academic libraries in response to the
changing preferences and practices in contemporary learning.

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T. S. Somashekhar, S. Shamala and Dr. Vitthal Bagalkoti

Effectiveness of E-Resources
The 21st Century has witnessed remarkable enhancements in education due to the influence of
Information Technology (IT). The traditional methods of teaching and learning are progressively
transitioning towards online platforms. The introduction of digital libraries, virtual libraries, and
the concept of e-libraries has become prevalent in the current educational landscape. E-
information resources offer greater convenience compared to traditional information services.
Electronic tools are readily available in web-enabled platforms to facilitate teaching and learning
processes. Significant improvements in e-publishing have been evident in recent years, with
publishers addressing issues like printing costs, fluctuating readership, uncertain user intentions,
and the preservation of archiving rights.

Many users and corporate entities are committed to peer-publishing and ensuring the quality
assurance of diverse scholarly publications. Researchers are keen on easily accessing full-text
articles and establishing connections between references in a dynamic knowledge space. The
primary objective of e-services is to provide users with accessible information to enhance their
knowledge.

The Services encompass a comprehensive array of offerings, incorporating pertinent details on

various aspects, including Workshops dedicated to library instruction, collections management,
and multimedia tools. Notably, our specific e-services entail facilitating remote access and
delivering library resources, constituting a vital component of Library Information services. In
compliance with applicable laws and organizational guidelines, access privileges may be restricted
to members or specific resources. This includes instances where access is channeled through
commercial servers, ensuring that only authorized participants can gain entry through secure
password protection mechanisms.

Libraries play a crucial role in facilitating research and study through the evaluation of electronic
resources. They align their offerings with educational syllabi, maintaining a blend of traditional
and innovative materials to meet the diverse needs of users. The concept of "learn anywhere and
anytime" has gained prominence in recent years, emphasizing the importance of alternative
information access.

In educational institutions, such as colleges and high schools, libraries cater to the needs of
teachers, students, and researchers. However, the current challenge faced by users is information
overload, leading to difficulty in discerning valuable references amid the "Information Explosion."
To address this, an education program with clearly defined learning goals and reliable guidance is
essential. Libraries are evolving to incorporate new technologies into their education and research
processes, acknowledging the significance of adapting to change.

While maintaining conventional information services, libraries are increasingly incorporating

elements of remote e-access. Web-OPAC (Online Public Access Catalogue) allows users to access
bibliographic records from anywhere, enabling efficient searches based on keywords, topics,
authors, titles, and areas. This integration enhances the overall bibliographic structure.

Furthermore, for effective management of electronic resources, institutions must establish

maintenance teams to monitor hardware and software. Regular servicing is crucial to minimize
issues such as system errors and viruses, ensuring smooth operation and preventing disruptions.
Despite the role of ICT professionals, their availability may be limited, emphasizing the need for
dedicated maintenance teams.

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 Navigating the Digital Landscape: A Study on the Effectiveness of E-Resources

Exposure to digital infrastructure significantly impacts the learning and research capabilities of
students. Quantitatively, an institution's research output, measured by articles, citations,
inventions, research scholarships, consultancies, studies, accreditations, and recognitions, reflects
its overall performance and resource impact.

The different types of E-Resources Available Globally

Various types of e-resources in the academic environment include:

1. Electronic Journals (e-Journals): Digitized versions of traditional print journals, accessible

online.
2. Electronic Books (e-Books): Digital versions of books available for online reading or
download.
3. Databases: Collections of organized data, such as academic articles, research papers, and
other scholarly materials.
4. Electronic Theses and Dissertations (ETDs): Digitized versions of graduate theses and
doctoral dissertations.
5. Online Reference Materials: Electronic versions of dictionaries, encyclopedias, and other
reference works.
6. Multimedia Resources: Includes audio, video, and interactive content used for educational
purposes.
7. Institutional Repositories: Digital collections of an institution's scholarly outputs, such as
theses, dissertations, and research papers.
8. Digital Archives: Collections of historical documents, manuscripts, and records in digital
format.
9. Simulations and Virtual Laboratories: Virtual environments for conducting experiments and
simulations.

Types of E-Resources Services

1. Current Awareness Service (CAS): CAS is a service that keeps users informed about the latest
developments, publications, or research in a specific field. It provides timely updates,
ensuring users stay current with relevant information.

2. Selective Dissemination of Information (SDI): SDI is a personalized information service that

delivers specific content to users based on their interests, preferences, or predefined criteria. It
helps users filter and receive relevant information tailored to their needs.

3. Document Delivery Services (DDS): DDS involves the delivery of documents or information
to users in electronic format. This service ensures that users can access the full text of articles,
papers, or other materials they need for research or study purposes.

4. Web-based Online Public Access Catalogue (WEB OPAC): WEB OPAC is an online catalog
system that allows users to search and access library resources, including books, journals, and
multimedia materials. It provides a web-based interface for users to explore the library's
collection and find relevant materials.

5. E-Document Delivery Services: E-Document Delivery Services involve the electronic

distribution of documents, such as articles, research papers, or other informational materials,
to users through online platforms. These services streamline the process of accessing and
delivering documents, enhancing efficiency and convenience in information retrieval.

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T. S. Somashekhar, S. Shamala and Dr. Vitthal Bagalkoti

Research and rce services play crucial roles in enhancing information access, facilitating efficient
research, and ensuring that users receive personalized and relevant content in the digital
environment.

Issues in E-Resources

1. Costs: The expenses associated with acquiring and maintaining electronic resources,
including licensing fees, subscription costs, and infrastructure investments, can pose financial
challenges for institutions.
2. Access and Connectivity: Unequal access to the internet or digital devices can create
disparities in the ability of users to benefit from e-resources, limiting the inclusivity of online
education.
3. Technical Challenges: Issues such as system downtime, software glitches, or compatibility
problems may hinder the seamless use of electronic resources, affecting the overall user
experience.
4. Security Concerns: E-resources are susceptible to cybersecurity threats, including hacking,
data breaches, and unauthorized access, raising concerns about the confidentiality and
integrity of digital information.
5. Digital Preservation: Ensuring the long-term preservation and accessibility of electronic
resources poses a challenge, especially as technologies evolve and formats become obsolete.
6. Quality and Reliability: Assessing the reliability and credibility of online information sources
is crucial, as the internet is flooded with vast amounts of content of varying accuracy and
authenticity.
7. User Skills and Literacy: Users may face challenges in navigating and effectively utilizing
electronic resources if they lack the necessary digital literacy skills, hindering the potential
benefits of these resources.
8. Copyright and Licensing: Managing copyright issues, adherence to licensing agreements, and
addressing intellectual property concerns are ongoing challenges in the digital environment.
9. Changing Formats: The rapid evolution of technology can result in changes to file formats
and software, leading to compatibility issues and the need for constant updates and
adaptations.
10. Information Overload: The abundance of online information can lead to information
overload, making it challenging for users to filter and identify relevant, high-quality content
efficiently.

Conclusion
Implementing e-resources signifies a departure from age-old traditions, allowing the everyday
reader to access details at any time. The utilization of e-resources proves beneficial in ensuring
comprehensive and focused knowledge acquisition. These resources empower users and libraries
to handle various search options independently, ultimately saving library space and user time. In
the contemporary era often referred to as the information age, the recognition of knowledge as a
crucial tool for a nation's socio economic, cultural and political growth is growing. Electronic
tools, especially in libraries and knowledge centers, play a significant role in this digital world.
This can be attributed mainly to the wealth of information, the prevalence of machine-readable
data, the increased usage, and concerns about storage capacity. The internet and electronic
information services have become integral components of today's education system. In conclusion,
the web and e-resources have fundamentally transformed the way individuals connect, interact,
access, receive, scrutinize, and engage in the creation and reuse of content. These transformations
prompt groundbreaking shifts across almost every facet of the contemporary educational and
learning landscape.

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 Navigating the Digital Landscape: A Study on the Effectiveness of E-Resources

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