Electronic Resources and its Evaluation Criteria in Library

What is Electronic Resources?

In present situation the global communication and information transfer is easiest one. WWW and Internet are the most two important tool which is supporting for communication and Information transfer. The data are available in all the fields are huge amount for all users of internet.

Now a days the information transfer is simple and which is possible by the rapid growth of information and communication technology. In that way the people can access information in the areas for their requirement. The Internet and www can be taken great place to supporting to the scholars in all the areas.

E-resources are influencing the university library collection. Because the salient features of e-resources such as multiple searching, providing global communications, cheapest access cost, storage and database maintenance etc. Sometimes the electronic form is the only alternative to print resource.

Electronic resources are providing plenty of information to the present day Users. Electronic information resources can provide a lot of benefits than traditional print resources.

For the past few decades the growth of IT is enormous rate. This development may support to create document in electronic format and distribute via internet or intranet or other form of e resources like CD ROM and USB-drive and etc. So, the current situation of libraries is also changing its environment to e-resources for provide information to its users.

Definition of E-resources in the context of Library & Information Science:

There are some definitions are available in internet for E-Resources:

According to all words dictionary.com defines the term E-resource, Information (usually a file) which can be stored in the form of Electrical Signals usually, but not necessarily, on a Computer.

According to Library Jargon of London South Bank University describes the term E-resource, A collection of on-line publications giving author, title, date, place of publication, publisher, details of edition, pagination, series and some idea of the contents. You will search this kind of database to find articles in journals. You can see a selection for your particular course on your subject portal

According to Glossary of British Library Development Studies define the term E-resource, Resources which are available in electronic form, over the Internet, or on CD ROM

According to Glossary of Library Terms from Arts University College define the term “resource, The section of the Library’s web pages that provides access to our electronic resources, including databases, e-journals, e-books and e-newspapers

Evaluation Criteria of Electronic Resources in a library:

The following criteria might help you to evaluate electronic resources on your library:

1. Process for Publications: All are able to publish their work through internet in the form of e-resource. The requirement of e-publication is only a computer with internet connectivity. Some of the internet resources are not having editors or reviewers. But the online journals have editors and reviewers and so on.
2. Qualities and qualification of Author: Some of the internet resources are unable to determine the Authorship and affiliations. But the online journals and e -books are having the authors and affiliations.
3. Details of Reference Sources: Some of the internet resources are not having exact information regarding the references used by the author.
4. Relevance: The online texts are not guiding the users properly. Sometimes unwanted items are downloading while searching the internet.
5. Author Details: Some of the websites have explained its purpose and name of the author but not mention about the authors standard and qualities qualification.
6. Publication Information: There is no assurance for availability of date of publication and how long the information is available.

Types of Electronic Resources:

The E resources are divided into two types depends on its features. They are:

A. Online e-resources, which may include the online resources, are providing information to its users via internet and www. Online resources are considered virtual one. Users are able to use the information in intangible manner. Some examples of on-line resources are given below:

• E-journal (Full Text & Bibliographic Databases)
• E-books
• On-line Databases
• Web sites

B. Another type e-resources may include the off line resources that are keep inside the library in the form of electronic materials. Users can be able to touch physically and use it. Some examples of resources are given below:

• CD ROM
• Diskettes.
• Other portable computer databases.

Reference:

• Radjagopal, V. (2012). Users attitudes and approaches towards e resources and services in the academic libraries of Puducherry Union Territory. INFLIBNET, 340.