Information Preservation and Information Services in the Digital Age

Information Preservation and Information Services in the Digital Age

Manisha Saksena
Copyright: © 2010 |Pages: 12
DOI: 10.4018/978-1-61520-767-1.ch007
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Abstract

In the digital world, library services need to be transformed utilizing the advancements possible due to that automation and machine-to-machine communication of information . In this chapter prime focus is laid upon the need of digitization and how to achieve it effectively and appropriately. The strategies for digitization have also been discussed at reasonable length. The issues debated are digital decay as against paper decay, accessibility interpretation in digital world, utility of e-journals, gray content boom, problems of access to excess, human dependence of information sharing and collaboration, disintermediation. In this chapter adequate care has been taken to visualize the importance of traditional conservation as well. The main emphasis is on the spirit of collaboration and skill to take initiative for digitization project. It has been repeatedly mentioned that institutional collaborations at national and international level have given more fruitful results in the area of digitization. This chapter shows the changed picture of librarianship in digital environment along with the change in user perspectives and service perspective.
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Digital Libraries

Digital libraries are constructed- collected and organized by a community of users and their functional capabilities support the information needs and the uses of that community. They are a component of communities in which individuals and groups interact with each other using data, information and knowledge resources and systems. In this sense they are the extension, enhancement and integration of variety of information institution as a physical place where resources are selected and collected and organized, preserved and accessed in support of user community. Implicit in its definition digital library is a broad conceptualization of library collection.

The meaning of digital library is less transparent than one might expect. The words conjure up images of cutting edge computer and information science research. They are invoked to describe what some assert to be radically new kinds of practices for the management and use of information.

According to Digital Library Federation, “Digital libraries are organizations that provide the resources, including the specialized staff, to select, structure, offer intellectual access to, interpret, distribute, preserve the integrity of, and ensure the persistence over time of collections of digital works so that they are readily and economically available for use by a defined community or set of communities.”

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