DIGITAL LIBRARIES: AN OVERVIEW

Abstract

During the past few years, there has been tremendous development reaming the concept of digital libraries-a knowledge base that can be stored and retrieved through on- line networks. Digital libraries are the most complex form of information systems that support digital document preservation, distributed database management, hypertext, filtering, information retrieval and selective dissemination of information. This has really overcome geographical barriers offering wide range of academic, research and cultural resources with multimedia effects which can be accessed around the world over the distributed netwo rks. The paper examines the concept of Digital library, the technology that has enabled its emergence and its architecture. It also highlights the digital library projects undertaken in USA, UK and India. Here the authors explore the unique features of digital library and possible challenges ahead for library and information professionals in the digital environment.