How Digital Libraries Can Support E-Learning?

Being a student if you need to research a particular topic for your assignment or project do you go to the library?

As a teacher if and when you need to prepare for your learning pedagogies do you always prefer to visit the nearest library?

I could very well take a guess and say that you probably don’t have the time to go to the library every time you need some in-depth information regarding something. We live in a time where web-enabled technologies have served to simplify most of the time-consuming work. In terms of accessing information and building knowledge skills the students no longer have to rely on books as e-learning has taken precedence where everything is made online.

It is hardly a surprise when you get to hear that there is a considerable decline in the number of library-visitors, as learners prefer more to have direct access to a single interface where they can easily find all the resources as per their requirement. To retain the importance of libraries and amplify their operation, many schools and colleges are investing in library automation software to smoothen the function of a library and automate all the necessary functions.

On the other hand, a digital library in itself is a huge resource that comes with an in-build management system which makes it easier for the learners to access materials and help an organization to provide innovative and helpful services

Let us take a look at how digital libraries can support e-learning...

1.Availability of diverse content

What is that one aspect that comes to your mind when anyone says e-learning? Online classes, online exams, and books.

How about the availability of books online?

Due to the limitations of physical space, it is difficult for libraries to accommodate different types of content. But digital libraries can store a wide variety of content such as research journals. magazines, articles, scholarly blogs, videos documenting case studies, audiobooks.

There are times when the student wants to access different types of content simultaneously, physical libraries might not allow that unless you have given the previously issued books.

2.On-demand accessibility

There is usually a time crunch for many students who have to submit their assignment or project, they do not have the time to go to a library. The availability of digital versions of the book ensures that the students can gain access to the materials from anywhere at any time. Be it via a computer or smartphone, gaining access to knowledge has never been so convenient and easy for learners.

3.Automated operations

I don’t have to remind you of the tedious process that used to be involved in issuing a book, but with the integration of the library management system, important operations are taken care of in an efficient way.

Indexing, accessioning, book cataloguing, book issuing, book tracking, or preservation of learning materials are executed easily, even physical libraries are using the software to update their system to enable systematic maintenance.

The built-in features that come with the software make the process of automation a lot easier.

4.Interactive Features

The system also comes with features that are built to facilitate interaction between readers and administrators. Likewise, many software solutions offer the facility of reader interaction by setting up communities online.

Isn’t it amazing to have such an option wherein you could engage in interactions and enquire about additional information?

You can avail of real-time interaction about a specific book or journal without having to go anywhere.

Learning has never been so accessible.

5. Helping the future generation

What would you do if you had something that could help the future generation? I guess that you will make sure to keep it safe for them to access it in time.

Digital libraries have the option of restoring and preserving the learning materials in the cloud, be it scientific journals, subject-specific case analysis, documented reports, experimental research documents, etc.

Appropriate security measures are implemented to safeguard the content for future use.

In conclusion

Digital library accelerates the e-learning process by storing and managing a large number of resources such as bibliographic databases, full-text documents, multimedia contents in the form of audio and video clips, documentaries, etc. Enhanced networks, vast storage technology are some of the other advantages of digital libraries that capture the attention of organizations and students alike.

I am Anirudh Roy I have 5 years of experience in writing. I want share my knowledge and others things.