CHAPTER ONE
1.0 INTRODUCTION
Digital Library System
(DLS) extends and integrate approaches adopted in traditional libraries as well
as in distributed information systems, to yield high-end information systems,
services and institutions. Here we will
explore some of the parts or components of digital libraries and discuss
several of the developments in this emerging field.
Building a comprehensive
digital library system will help users to manage all phases of the information
lifecycle. Of particular importance is
to simplify the authoring and creation process so that wider population can
participate by adding all types of multimedia content directly into digital
libraries. Downstream access allows
readers to benefit from this type of computer-mediated communication, across
time and space. Ultimately, it is
believed that knowledge will be shared and then lead to yet another cycle of
discovery, authoring and utilization that is facilitated by digital libraries.
1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE
STUDY
Times are fast changing;
we now live in a jet age which is mainly characterized by rapid changes in
technology, lifestyle and value. This is
indeed an age of information explosion.
One of the major
inventions that have driven the world to a fast pace of technological
advancement is the computer. The computer
is primarily an electronic information processor that is rapidly changing the
way we acquire, organize, recall, access, analyze, synthesize and apply
information. The effectiveness with
which the information is generated and communicated determines the rate of
progress of a society and the fulfillment of its people. Modern society is information driven and
information today is a universal need.
Moreover, computers have
affected the ways which people use information.
It has changed the rate of work done, the method for accomplishing the
work alongside the relationship among the people carrying and using the
information. However, computers and
libraries are not left out in the utilization of computer to carry out their
day-to-day activities especially as it concerns the amount of information
generated. Libraries have evolved over
the years which gave rise to digital libraries.
1.2 STATEMENT OF THE
PROBLEM
There are numerous
problems with the traditional libraries.
These in-adequacies are enumerated below.
1. The
users of the traditional library need to go the library physically which most
times could lead to congestion of the library?
2. Inability
for the library resources to be accessed 24/7.
3. The
library resources cannot be simultaneously used. It is one at a time.
4. Traditional
libraries are limited by storage space.
1.3 GENERAL OBJECTIVES
OF THE STUDY
The proposed system
Digital Library System has it’s general objectives which it is set out to
achieve. They are as follows:
a) To
create variety of access services for searching, browsing and discovering
resources.
b) To
organize and index digital objectives for different purpose which includes
cataloging, finding aids and database.
c) Reduction
of loan and acquisition through the use of digital library.
d) Comprehensive
storage of large repository of data that can be accessed by authorized users.
e) Reduce
the cost of maintaining a traditional library.
1.4 SPECIFIC OBJECTIVE
OF THE STUDY
The objectives of this
proposed system has been narrowed. This
is geared towards ensuring that the objectives are achieved. They are as follows:
§ Removal of Physical Bounding: Ensure that the users do
not always go to the library physically, but can access library resource once
he/she is connected to the server.
§ Round the Clock Availability: To enable users to be able to gain access
24/7 to the information.
§ Information Retrieval: To make it easy and convenient for the user
to use any search term (Title OR Authors name) to search the entire collection,
thus providing user-friendly interfaces, and giving clickable access to it’s
resource.
§ Preservation and Conservation:
Provide access to materials that would otherwise fall to degradation from
repeated use.
§ Multiple Access: Ensure that the same resources can be used
simultaneously by a number of persons.
§ Space: Able to provide storage for information
digitally by using little physical space to contain them.
1.5 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE
STUDY
In implementing the
objectives of this study, the advantages of a digital library over the traditional
library are enormous. Users will be able
to access library resource digitally without the inconveniences of users
carrying books, journals, magazines etc which could result in rapid wear and
tear of this library resource. Besides,
it will afford users the opportunity to access digital books simultaneously
without waiting for the book to be returned to the library.
The proposed system will
provide security to help track library resources through the development of a
comprehensive database that will be used to house the library resources. The system will also eliminate some of the
routine manual work prevalent in a traditional library.
1.6 SCOPE OF THE STUDY
The findings of this
research work for the proposed system (Digital Library System) was carried out
in the Nnamdi Azikiwe University (NAU) in their digital library section. The scope of this study will include the
following:
1. Information
indexing/cataloguing.
2. Classification
of library resource.
3. Searching
and retrieval (downloading).
4. Registration
of books/uploading of digital resources
5. Registration
of users.
6. Database
management.
1.7 LIMITATION OF THE
STUDY
This proposed system will
not take into consideration audio collections.
It is web based not a stand alone delivery system with its own user file
and login ID and password. Also, time
constraint during the time for this project work is short. Financial resources
is a limitation encountered in the course of this research work.
1.8 DEFINITION OF
RELATED TERMS
§ Digital: Relating to or using
signals or information represented by discrete values of a physical quantity.
§ Library: A building or room containing collections of
books, periodicals and sometimes films and recorded music for people to read,
borrow or refer to.
§ Digital Library: Is a type of information retrieval system in
which collections are stored in digital format.
§ Information: This is a collection of facts or data.