Virtual Library: An Overview

Abstract

Most of the Libraries today, offer a wide range of on-line services to their users. And, now, the internet and web technologies are not the new things to any academician hence, it is the time for a Library to be virtual and develop its on-line presence in order to further facilitate and enrich the educational processes. In this direction, Virtual Libraries provide a new way of serving the new generation users of the libraries. Virtual libraries are the new vision of libraries of the future. This paper provides an overview of a Virtual Library System. It narrates purpose, features, functions, design and development of a Virtual Library and Virtual Library Environment. Impact of ‘Virtual Library’ on ‘Lifelong Learning’ has also been emphasized. It also enumerates principles of development of Virtual Library Collection and advantages of Virtual Libraries. Notably, suggests and advocates for the Virtual Library of India to be hosted by the INFLIBNET Centre.