DIGITAL LIBRARY
.A digital library is a collection of digital artifacts, such as books, articles, images, videos, and other types of media, that can be accessed and used through a computer or electronic device. Digital libraries can be created and maintained by individuals, institutions, or organizations, and can be made available to the public or restricted to a specific group of users. They can also be in various forms such as online, offline, or hybrid. Digital libraries can provide access to a wide range of information, making it easier for people to find and use the resources they need. They also have the potential to improve access to information for people in remote or underserved areas, and can help to preserve and make available cultural heritage materials
1. introduction to digital library
1.2. Historical background of digital library
The idea of a digital library has its roots in the early days of computing, when researchers began to explore the potential of using computers to store and manage large collections of information. The first digital libraries were created in the 1960s and 1970s, and were primarily used by researchers in the fields of computer science and library science.
One of the earliest and most influential digital library projects was the Project INTREX, led by Douglas Engelbart at SRI International in the 1960s. This project aimed to develop a system that would allow researchers to access and share information more easily. Another early project was the Interlibrary Loan Photoduplication Service (ILLPS), established in the 1970s by the Library of Congress and the National Library of Medicine. This project aimed to digitize and make available copies of books and other materials held by libraries around the country.
In the 1980s and 1990s, advances in technology, such as the development of the Internet and the World Wide Web, led to the creation of more sophisticated digital libraries. Some of the most notable digital libraries developed during this time include the Online Computer Library Center (OCLC) and the National Science Digital Library (NSDL).
The development of digital libraries continued to evolve with the advent of new technologies such as the increasing use of cloud computing, big data, and artificial intelligence, which has made it easier to manage and share large collections of digital information. Today, digital libraries are widely used in many different fields, including education, research, government, and business, to provide access to information and resources that are not easily available in traditional libraries