People now desire to access information and content without needing to visit a library in person. Universities have already initiated the process of digitization to save materials and make them available to members and members of the public. Google has launched its Library Project with the goal of assisting universities and libraries in digitizing millions of books. Corporates of various sizes have also started conducting market research on the benefits of digital libraries. They are now adopting digital libraries for their workers. So we have decided to talk in some detail about this newest thing on the block. We will also look at some of the major advantages of digital library.

What is a Digital Library? How It Differs from a Traditional Library?

A digital library is a library where you can go online to locate digital collections, or digital repositories, that may include text, still images, audio, video, digital documents, or other digital media formats. Objects include digitized content such as prints or photographs. It also contains primarily produced digital content such as word processor files or social media posts. Additionally, digital libraries provide a way to organize, search, and retrieve the contents of a collection.
Traditional libraries specialize in the physical archiving and preservation of books and. Physical items are gathered together in a centralized location; library users are encouraged to use what is contained in libraries. Thus, a major difference between a digital and traditional library is the physical space.

Differences between Digital Library and Traditional Library

Before discussing the benefits of digital library solutions, let’ s talk some more about the major differences between the two.
1. In a traditional library, as opposed to a digital one, staff are present. They carry out activities in various sections like catalogue section, classification section and periodical section. Their duties vary according to the need of the time.
2. In a traditional library, there are different methods of procuring books qualitatively and economically. In a digital library, the user’ s needs and demands are identified first following which the resources are procured.
3. A traditional library maintains communication with the teaching faculties to meet the needs of the syllabus. On the other hand, a digital library is automated with the help of software. It provides quicker access and reference service to the readers.
4. In both the libraries, records of digital and print materials are recorded. However, in a digital library, links to those resources are provided as well. This ensures that information collected from different locations is properly tracked.
5. For a digital library staff, knowledge of hardware and software is crucial. They supply electronic, virtual and digital information to their users by using digital collections.

8 Reasons to Use Digital Library Solutions

Now, we will get to our point. The following section lists 8 key advantages of using a digital library solution.
1. Wide Variety of Content
Conventional libraries lack the ability to accommodate a wide variety of content due to constraints associated with the physical area. But digital libraries have the space to store various materials. These include eBooks, magazines, articles, blogs, papers, videos, podcasts, and audiobooks. The sophisticated digital libraries today store resources in the cloud to allow them to be easily accessed anytime, anywhere.
2. Get Materials on Demand
The number of readers who select the e-book format is rising. Readers of all ages continue to select electronic versions of books as a means to read them from anyplace. They also can access the eBooks from anywhere and at any time using their mobile devices.
3. Updated Contents
Unlike large libraries and universities, small libraries don't have the resources to purchase new books, magazines, and other content e-resources that are available. However, your organization can publish a digital library regularly. Many publishers these days allow digital libraries to make recent editions and magazines available to readers, based on pay-as-you-read scheme. Hence, your company's digital library allows for readers to access new books and content on a regular basis.
4. No Opening or Closing Time
To visit a regular library, the readers must keep in mind the opening and closing hours and make the necessary arrangements. They don't have the option to checkout resources at the discretion of their schedule. But online virtual libraries offer the chance to access eBooks, audiobooks, and videos for twenty-four hours a day.
5. Multiple and Seamless Access
While visiting a library, multiple readers will not be able to read the same book simultaneously. They need to wait for the other books to be used. In a digital environment, multiple readers can access the same books, videos, and audiobooks at the same time.
6. Interactions in Real-Time
The new-age library management system available today has features intended to help forge relationship between readers and administrators. It also permits readers to share and exchange responses on a variety of platforms. This allows readers to find more relevant information or supplemental info about a book or article in a few seconds.
7. Prevents Materials from Deterioration
Many companies digitize their libraries to help make the digital resources accessible to a large group of people regularly without taking care of the preservation of physical objects.
8. Secure Knowledge for the Posterity
Libraries nowadays store materials in the cloud as well. In addition, they employ elaborate security measures to ensure the materials are exclusive to legitimate readers. That is why digital libraries preserve valuable archives and studies for future generations.

Final Thoughts

It’ s pretty clear that the advantages of using digital library solutions are many. However, making the transition from a traditional library is not easy. There are several factors to consider. Our team at Somnetics can help you with these challenges. Our end-to-end solution is a combination of technology and information resources. With our services, your business can break the physical barrier in the world of education.