Mention the nature and benefits of web-based library and information services; describe some popular web-based library and information services that are available in a modern library.
Introduction:
Due to emergence of web based
Information and Communication
Technologies (ICT) and globalization of
networks and exponential rise of new
information and the use of traditional tools
in information management have been
reduced and automation of information
centre have become imperative. All the activities and services have changed its mode to an extent with web environment.
Nature of Web-based Library and Information Services:
There are some common nature of web-based library. Such as-
1. Hypertext document, Text, Pictures, Sound and Animation facilities,
2. Equal opportunity for access to all,
3. Information sharing for any number of users at any time.
4. provides a distributed information system,
5. Exchange of electronic mail and other data files in a wide area environment,
6. Participation in electronic media mailing list and conferences.
7. Receipts and delivery of electronic publication.
8. Access to data stored on remote computers.
Benefits of Web-based Library and Information Services
1. Availability of less number of library staff to carry out the library works and services.
2. Availability of information in different places and also in different formats.
3. Easier access to individual components within (e.g articles of journals)
4. Rapid access to materials held remotely
5. The ability to recall out-of-print materials
6. Enhanced searched ability including full text.
7. Reducing the burden or cost of delivery 8. Easy storage
9. Easy updating
10. Space saving
11. Powerful searching tools
12. Free from theft, binding and repairing tension
13. Provide information with multimedia features Sound, video, etc.)
14. Provide round the clock (24 x 7) access to information etc.
Some common Web-based Library and Information Services
1. Access to Database:
Several publishers today offer web based, intranet solutions for providing local access to their databases, Example - Silver Platter, Elsevier etc. Online database vender such as Dialog.
2. Bibliographic and Cataloguing Services
This service can be prepared from different databases available on the Web. Information on books which are not easily available may be accessed through Internet. ‘Library of Congress Catalog’ is a very popular online cataloguing service of Library of Congress. For example: http://www.bl.uk
3. Bulletin Board Services
A bulletin board is a public discussion area where people can post message without sending them to anyone's e-mail address that can be viewed by anyone who enters the area. Such as- daily news, job opportunities, any kinds of notice etc.
4. Current Awareness Services
A library can provide CAS service through e-mail, which is easiest and common procedure. Some important Internet sites providing information service are Bibliotech Review, Current cites, Scholarly Article Research Alerting, etc.
5. E-mail
The most easy and convenient method to access the web sources is e-mail. Pergamum Press and some othersociety publication request for sending the content page against the registered individual's e-mail address.
6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
FAQ stands for Frequently Asked Questions. A compilation of Frequently Asked Questions and their answer is referred to as a FAQ list or FAQ article. Ask ERIC is an Internet question answering services run by the ERIC Clearinghouse on Information and Technology at Syracuse University, New York.
7. News Clipping Services
To provide this service, news items from selected news papers are first marked and clippings then these represent in digital format. Such as- Text or PDF (Portable Document Format). The Image may represented as GIF (Graphic Interchange Format) or JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group).
8. ОРАС
The Online Public Access Catalogs (OPACs) are the gateways to information in libraries and provide facilities to browse, search and locate information. It serves in two different ways:
(1) it meant access to library housekeeping operations especially circulation and
(2) to provide the public with direct access to a library's bibliographic database.
9. WebPAC
WebPAC or WebOPAC (Online Public Access Catalog) is a web based search platform regardless of physical location. WebPAC provides reservation of books and periodicals, status about the book. etc.
Some of the web based OPAC sites are-
**The Library of Congress Online Catalog http//: webloc.gov/catalog/
**The British Library Catalog http//:dlopac97.bl.uk
10. Reference Services
Web-based reference services provide 24 hours access to electronic reference sources from the bed room, the office, and even the kitchen table. In fact most end users and librarians can easy access to the complete content from a wide variety of sources material in electronic form. Example of reference services: Britannica online http://www.members.eb.com Online Dictionary—http://www.dictionary.com
10. Library Web Page
Library web page is very much essential for any library. It is a useful tool to keep informed about library activities and new services. It allows easy bridging of distances. Library rules, Library services, new books, Recent issues of journals, List of e journals, User feed back etc are performed though web page.
Conclusion:
Services are the heart of any kind of library. Web based library services is a trend.
Libraries are taking full advantages of internet and web facilities. They are remarkable changing their mode of provision of services. Libraries should ensure that the world's citizenry has access to the
world's knowledge by web based library.
