CHAPTER ONE
1.0 INTRODUCTION
Electronic
library System (DLS) extends and integrate approaches adopted in traditional
libraries as well as in distributed information systems, to yield high-end
information systems, services and institutions.
Here we will explore some of the parts or components of digital
libraries and discuss several of the developments in this emerging field.
Building a comprehensive electronic
library system will help users to manage all phases of the information
lifecycle. Of particular importance is
to simplify the authoring and creation process so that wider population can
participate by adding all types of multimedia content directly into digital
libraries. Downstream access allows
readers to benefit from this type of computer-mediated communication, across
time and space. Ultimately, it is
believed that knowledge will be shared and then lead to yet another cycle of
discovery, authoring and utilization that is facilitated by digital libraries.
1.1 BACKGROUND
OF THE STUDY
Times
are fast changing; we now live in a jet age which is mainly characterized by
rapid changes in technology, lifestyle and value. This is indeed an age of information
explosion.
One of the major inventions that have
driven the world to a fast pace of technological advancement is the
computer. The computer is primarily an
electronic information processor that is rapidly changing the way we acquire,
organize, recall, access, analyze, synthesize and apply information. The effectiveness with which the information
is generated and communicated determines the rate of progress of a society and
the fulfillment of its people. Modern
society is information driven and information today is a universal need.
Moreover, computers have affected the
ways which people use information. It
has changed the rate of work done, the method for accomplishing the work
alongside the relationship among the people carrying and using the
information. However, computers and
libraries are not left out in the utilization of computer to carry out their
day-to-day activities especially as it concerns the amount of information
generated. Libraries have evolved over
the years which gave rise to digital libraries.
1.2 STATEMENT
OF THE PROBLEM
There
are numerous problems with the traditional libraries. These in-adequacies are enumerated below.
1. The
users of the traditional library need to go the library physically which most
times could lead to congestion of the library?
2. Inability
for the library resources to be accessed 24/7.
3. The
library resources cannot be simultaneously used. It is one at a time.
4. Traditional
libraries are limited by storage space.
1.3 GENERAL
OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY
The
proposed system Electronic library System has it’s general objectives which it
is set out to achieve. They are as
follows:
a) To
create variety of access services for searching, browsing and discovering
resources.
b)To
organize and index digital objectives for different purpose which includes
cataloging, finding aids and database.
c) Reduction
of loan and acquisition through the use of electronic library.
d)Comprehensive
storage of large repository of data that can be accessed by authorized users.
e) Reduce
the cost of maintaining a traditional library.
1.4 SPECIFIC
OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY
The objectives of this proposed system
has been narrowed. This is geared
towards ensuring that the objectives are achieved. They are as follows:
§ Removal of Physical Bounding: Ensure that the users do
not always go to the library physically, but can access library resource once
he/she is connected to the server.
§ Round the Clock Availability: To enable users to be able to gain access
24/7 to the information.
§ Information Retrieval: To make it easy and convenient for the user
to use any search term (Title OR Authors name) to search the entire collection,
thus providing user-friendly interfaces, and giving clickable access to it’s
resource.
§ Preservation and Conservation:
Provide access to materials that would otherwise fall to degradation from
repeated use.
§ Multiple Access: Ensure that the same resources can be used
simultaneously by a number of persons.
§ Space: Able to provide storage for information
digitally by using little physical space to contain them.
1.5 SIGNIFICANCE
OF THE STUDY
In
implementing the objectives of this study, the advantages of a electronic
library over the traditional library are enormous. Users will be able to access library resource
digitally without the inconveniences of users carrying books, journals,
magazines etc which could result in rapid wear and tear of this library
resource. Besides, it will afford users
the opportunity to access digital books simultaneously without waiting for the
book to be returned to the library.
The proposed system will provide security
to help track library resources through the development of a comprehensive
database that will be used to house the library resources. The system will also eliminate some of the
routine manual work prevalent in a traditional library.
1.6 SCOPE
OF THE STUDY
The
findings of this research work for the proposed system (Electronic library
System) was carried out in the Nnamdi Azikiwe University (NAU) in their electronic
library section. The scope of this study
will include the following:
1. Information
indexing/cataloguing.
2. Classification
of library resource.
3. Searching
and retrieval (downloading).
4. Registration
of books/uploading of digital resources
5. Registration
of users.
6. Database
management.
1.7 LIMITATION
OF THE STUDY
This
proposed system will not take into consideration audio collections. It is web based not a stand alone delivery
system with its own user file and login ID and password. Also, time constraint during the time for
this project work is short. Financial resources is a limitation encountered in
the course of this research work.
1.8 DEFINITION
OF RELATED TERMS
§ Digital: Relating to or using
signals or information represented by discrete values of a physical quantity.
§ Library: A building or room containing collections of
books, periodicals and sometimes films and recorded music for people to read,
borrow or refer to.
§ Electronic library: Is a type of information retrieval system in
which collections are stored in digital format.
§ Information: This is a collection of facts or data.