1

Electronic information Resources inLibrary and Information Science

Gurjeet kaurResearch scholar

Department of library and information scienceGulbarga university Gulbarga

Karnataka (india)Abstract:

The early libraries were defined as an institution that

managed and preserved the intellectual sources of society and

made then available in a systematic manner to the users who

could readily gain access to these resources. Evaluation, growth

of internet and e publishing industries in the field of

information and communication technology has given birth to

electronic resources. Societies are transforming from

information societies to knowledge society. Electronic resources

play an important role by providing a convenient medium and fast

access to the vast range of information. Growth in communication

technology, internet and e publishing of scholarly research has

opened new vistas in searching and accessing information. This

article will cover electronic resources which are used in

Library and Information science department.

Keywords: electronic resources, Library and Information

science, electronic databases, journals, ebooks, mailing groups

etc.

2

1.1. IntroductionWith the advancement and developments in information and

communication technology, a variety of information sources are

appearing besides print media. Electronic resources provide

access to information that might be restricted to the user

because of geographical location or finances. They also provide

access to current information as these are often updated

frequently. Through their various search techniques, electronic

resources provide extensive links to explore additional

resources or related content. In addition, electronic resources

are convenient to use since users are able to access information

from the library, internet café, and offices or at times from

the comfort of their homes at any time of the day. 

The information sources which are in electronic format and

which are communicate via electronic media are called electronic

resources. E-Resources consisting of various forms of data such

as text, images and voice that can be disseminated through

different systems, i.e. communication systems like the internet.

1.2. Usage of E-Resource: Electronic resources provides a number of advantages over traditional print based resources.

Multi access: multiple users can use the information at

time with their terminals.

Storage: The ability to store and retrieve large amount of

information.

3

Speed: E-resources are quicker to browse or search,

extract, integrate information into other material and to

cross search or reference between different publications.

Functionality: E-resources allow the user to approach the

publication by click of the mouse on search mode.

1.3. Electronic Resources in Library and Information

Science: The use of electronic resources in libraries began

with the development of the machine readable cataloging

(MARC) format in the mid 1960. During the microcomputer

revolution of the 1980’s, libraries acquired software and

data on diskettes and offered databases on CD-ROM. Further,

in 1990 libraries started offering web based electronic

resources in libraries to its users. Now libraries provide

every type of resources and services to its user through

the web.

1.4. Types of E - Resources in LIS:Different types of electronic resources are available

in open access and commercial forms and these resources are

able to meet the user’s demands and expectations for

quicker and easier access to information.

1.4.1. CD- ROMs

1.4.2. E- Databases

4

1.4.3. Online Repositories and Full-text Resources

1.4.4. E-journals

1.4.5. E- Books

1.4.6. Library and Information Science: Groups /

Mailing Lists

1.4.1. CD-ROMs: A compact disc-read only memory is the chief electronic

resource of data with user friendly search software. More than

250000 text pages can be stored, portable and low cost and can

be easily transferred to any storage devices with supporting

devices. CD technology was first developed by Sony and Philips

in late 1970’s primarily as an audio format. In 1985 company

developed CD-Rom technology and soon CD Rom drives for computers

were available to the general public.

Example:

LISA (Library and Information Science Abstract) was

published in 1969 to 2005. It provides bibliographical

information about past and present development in LIS field. It

covers 500 periodicals from 68 countries in 20 languages.

LISA is updated monthly, with more than 1,000 records. Now it is

available online. (www.proquest.com/products-services/lisa-set-

c.html)

Subject Coverage in LISA:

Collection development

Consumer health information

5

Copyright and intellectual property

Digital divide

Digital libraries

Digital preservation

E-learning

Electronic commerce

Electronic government

Electronic publishing

Freedom of information

Information literacy

Internet technology

Library technology

Library use and users

Open access

Publishing

Publishing and bookselling

Scholarly communication

Search engines

Semantic web

Taxonomies and ontologies

World Wide Web

LISA publishs two types of Publications

Scholarly Journals

Conference Papers & Proceedings

6

1.4.2. E-Databases: Database is a large regularly updated file of digitized

information related to a specific subject of field, consisting

of records of uniform format organized for ease and speed of

search and retrieval. Web enabled databases are easily

accessible from user desktops through web browser.

A. Library & Information Science Source

LISS was developed by Librarians from a merger of databases

from EBSCO and H.W. Wilson, and including many unique sources

that were never previously available; this database provides

full-text coverage and high-quality indexing to help librarians

and researchers to keep pace with the latest trends in a rapidly

evolving field of Library and Information Science.

In addition it provides comprehensive coverage of the

history of Library studies as well as access to more than 5000

indexed authors.

Content Includes:

Full text for more than 440 journals and 30 full-text

monographs, including Handbook of Electronic & Digital

Acquisitions, Library/Vendor Relationships, Journals of the

Century, etc.

Indexing for hundreds of high-quality journals, as well as

books, research reports and proceedings

Thesauri including 10,800 terms, more than 4,090 of which

are preferred terms

Coverage dating back to 1900

7

Subjects Include:

Automation

Care & Restoration of Books

Cataloging

(URL: www.ebscohost.com/academic/library-information-

science-source)

B. Library, Information Science & Technology Abstracts   

Library, Information Science & Technology Abstracts (LISTA)

indexes more than 690 periodicals, It covers about 560 core

journals, 50 priority journals, and 125 selective journals; in

addition to books, research reports and conference proceedings.

With coverage dating back to the mid-1960s, it is the oldest

continuously produced database covering the field of information

science. Subject coverage includes Librarianship,

Classification, Cataloging, Bibliometrics, Online information

retrieval, Information management and more.

(http://www.ebscohost.com/academic/library-information-science-

and-technology-abstracts)

C. Emerald Database

Emerald is a global publisher linking research and practice

to the benefit of society. Emerald was first published in the

year of 1967 in U K. The company manage a portfolio of over 290

journals and over 2,350 books and book series volumes, provides

access to 22 journals and 3 book series in library and

information science. Emerald works in close collaboration with a

8

number of academic and corporate organizations and associations

worldwide.

Quick facts about Emerald Database: At the end of 2013 Emerald had 58 journals and 3 Book

Series ranked by Thomson Reuters (ISI)

In 2013, more than 25 million Emerald articles were

downloaded

In 2013, over 600,000 Emerald Book Series chapters were

downloaded

Over 100,000 researchers, academics and authors have

contributed to Emerald content since 1994

Emerald has customers in over 130 countries and

contributors in over 160.

(www.emeraldinsight.com)

D. J- Gate J-Gate is an electronic gateway to global e-journal

literature. Launched in 2001 by Informatics India Limited, J-

Gate provides seamless access to millions of journal articles

available online offered by 11,428 Publishers. It presently has

a massive database of journal literature, indexed from 36,987 e-

journals with links to full text at publisher sites. J-Gate also

plans to support online subscription to journals, electronic

document delivery, archiving and other related services. J-gate

provides access to more than 1800 all and 990 full text journals

in library and information science.

It covers major areas of library science such as:

9

Librarianship and Library 337

Information Science and System234

Digital Library 192

Information Sources and Services 174

Library Management 189

Acquisition 90

Classification 26

Library Automation 21

Cataloguing 47

J-Gate Features and Benefits:

Truly e-journal portal

Portal with largest number of e-journals

Access to 4,833 e-only-journals: J-Gate provides access

to 4,833 online-only journals, which are not available

in print.

17,009 open-access online journals: Captures and indexes

articles from more than 17,009 open-access e-journals

and maintains links to them.

Links to 5,320,569 open-access articles: Provides links

to over 5,320,569 open-access articles.

Full-text link to largest number of publisher sites:

Presently links to e-journals from 11,428 publishers.

Easy-to-use search functionalities: Database allows

various search options for the user's convenience. The

subscriber can choose to search by Title, Author,

10

Authors' Address/Institution, Keywords, etc.

(www. jgate plus.com )

1.4.3. E-Reference Resources and Repositories

1.4.3.1 E- Reference sources:

Reference sources are meant for preliminary perusal and

casual consultation. These are also described as approach

material as entries in a reference work provide basic

information on a subject.

Types of E- reference sources

Encyclopedia

The Encyclopedia of Library and Information Sciences is an

authoritative source for consultation and reference for almost

any library or information profession related issue. It

provides an outstanding resource in 33 published volumes with 2

helpful indexes. 3rd edition of encyclopedia was published in

2009. it covers topics related to: archival science;

bibliography; document and genre theory; informatics;

information systems; knowledge management; library and

information science; museum studies; records management; social

studies of information. International in scope. It is available

in print and online subscription.

(http://www.worldcat.org/title/encyclopedia-of-library-and-

information-science/oclc/)

Encyclopedia of Information Science & Technology 2nd edition.

Covers information technologies in a wide range of fields,

11

including libraries, management, education, government, society,

and more. Also includes short definitions of key terms. The 1st

edition (2005) is available in print form. The Encyclopedia of

Information Science and Technology is a five-volume encyclopedia

with over 550 articles. Unlike a traditional encyclopedia with

articles arranged by subject, this is arranged alphabetically by

title, including initial articles "a", "the" and "an".

(www.istl.org/05-spring/review1.html)

Online Dictionaries:

IFLA glossary covers major library terms and abbreviations:

prepared by the International Federation of Library

Associations and Institutions' Section on Bibliography.

(www.ifla.org/node/7666)

Online Dictionary of Library and Information Science

(ODLIS) A major resource for terminology used in all types of

libraries. With more than 4,000 terms and cross-references,

the dictionary's content has been carefully selected and

includes terms from publishing, printing, literature, and

computer science where, in the author's judgment, they are

relevant to both library professionals and laypersons.

(http://www.abc-clio.com/ODLIS/odlis_A.aspx)

E- Catalogue:

An E Catalogue is an online presentation for displaying an

entire product detail. It can consist of pictures with captions,

features tables, audio explanations, videos and documents for

12

download like data sheets or printable brochures. Changes can be

made online at any time and are immediately visible to customers

making an e Catalog ideal for auctions, changing inventory or

art portfolios. Online visitors can select items and send an

email inquiry.

The catalogue can be searched using a variety of methods

including:

Author

Title

ISBN

Advanced search

Example

Library of Congress online catalogue and OCLC world cat.

E-Thesis:

Thesis is a document submitted in support of candidature

for an academic degree or professional qualification presenting

the author's research and findings An electronic thesis or

dissertation. Although it can be used to mean any thesis

represented electronically, it is especially intended for born-

digital theses.

List of e thesis or dissertation in India

DSpace open source institutional repository.

(www.dspace.org/)

Eprint@cmfri (eprints.cmfri.org.in/)

Mahatma Gandhi university thesis online

(www.mgutheses.org/)

13

Shodhganga: a reservoir of Indian thesis

(shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in)

1.4.3.2. Online Repositories: E-LIS: E-prints in Library and Information Science E-LIS is

an open access archive for scientific or technical

documents, published or unpublished, on librarianship,

information science and technology, and related areas. More

than 10,600 documents are currently available. (

eprints.rclis.org/)

OCLC Research Publications Repository: This repository

contains works produced, sponsored, or submitted by OCLC

Research. In general, the works are research-oriented and

are in the subject area of library and information science.

Many items describe OCLC Research projects, activities, and

programs and were originally published by OCLC, while

others are from peer-reviewed scholarly journals.

(oclc.org/research/publications.html)

E- gyankosh: It is a National Digital Repository of IGNOU

to store, index, preserve, distribute and share the digital

learning resources developed by the Open and Distance

Learning Institutions in the country.

( www.egyankosh.ac.in/)

Vidyanidhi: Digital repository of research, Innovation and

scholarship. It is an initiative of Mysore University.

( http://eprints.uni-mysore.ac.in/cgi)

14

1.4.4. E-Journals E Journals may be defined as any Serial publication that

exists on CD-ROMs and on Internet. The birth of the first

journal took place on January 5, 1665, at Paris, France. On this

historic day, the first scientific journal, entitled Journal des

Scavans, was published. In the field of library science Melvil

Dewey was the first editor of library science journal, and the

name of the Journal is Library Journal, and is still being

published on a regular basis. In modern era journals are

categorized into types, open access journals and commercial

journals.

List of some journals in LIS.

Trends in Information Management: Trim is a bi annual

journal of the department of library science, university of

Kashmir. Trim has aim to publish original papers on the

various facets of library science (

http://www.inflibnet.ac.in/ojs/index.php/TRIM)

Information Technology and Libraries: Information

technology and libraries publishes materials related to all

aspects of information technology in all types of

libraries. Topic includes library automation, digital

libraries, metadata, intellectual property right etc.

(http://ejournals.bc.edu/ojs/index.php/ital)

DESIDOC Journal of Library and Information Science: DJLIT

is a peer reviewed open access journal that endeavors to

bring recent developments in information technology, as

15

applicable to library and information science. It is meant

for librarians, documentation and information

professionals, researchers’ students and others interested

in the field. It is published bimonthly. It was formerly

known as 'DESIDOC Bulletin of Information Technology

(DBIT)'. (drdo.gov.in/ojs/index.php/djlit)

Annals of Library and Information Studies: is a leading

quarterly journal in Library and Information Studies

publishing original papers, survey reports, reviews, short

communications, and letters pertaining to library science,

information science and computer applications in these

fields. It was launched by INSDOC in 1954, as its first

publication and Dr. S R Ranganathan was its first Editor. 

The journal’s title was expanded to Annals of Library

Science and Documentation in 1964 and again renamed in 2001

as Annals of Library and Information Studies.

(www.niscair.res.in/sciencecommunication/.../rejour/annals/

annals0.asp)

The International Journal of Library and Information

Studies or IJLIS, is an international online peer reviewed

and indexed journal. IJLIS is initiated by the founders of

“PEARL” A journal of Library and Information Science. This

will consider any original contribution that enhance or

illuminates Library and Information Science or Practice, or

that educates or entertains the journal's readers. IJLIS is

16

published four times a year in March, June, September and

December. (www.ijlis.org/)

SALIS Journal of Information Management & Technology: SALIS

is publishing newsletter on a quarterly basis. It has

started a free e-journal called “SALIS Journal of Library

and Information Science”. The main aim to disseminate

latest developments, research activities, important work

done in the field of Library and Information Science and

Technology (LIST) and also to exchange knowledge,

experience, issues and solutions among professionals and

other interested groups.

(http://autolib-india.net/salis/sjlis.php)

1.4.5. Electronic Books: An electronic book is a book-length publication in digital

form, consisting of text, images, or both, readable on computers

or other electronic devices. E books are the electronic version

of the published works and it has easy search facility which

reader can see visually and it can be saved in a CD and

transferred to CD ROM. Some of the important E Books websites in

LISc are motioned below.

Google Books

Google has partnered with over 20,000 publishers and

authors, and several major research libraries, to makes their

books discoverable through Google Books. While only limited text

can be viewed from books still under copyright, the full text of

17

many public domain books, especially those published before

1923, is available. Use the Advanced Search page to limit your

search to full-text or public domain book. (books.google.co.in/)

Amazon.com

Amazon.com is an American international electronic commerce

company with headquarters in Seattle, Washington, United States.

It is the world ' s largest online retailer. Amazon.com started as

an online bookstore, but soon diversified, selling DVDs, VHSs,

CDs, video and MP3 etc. The company also produces consumer

electronics—notably the Amazon Kindle e-book reader and the

Kindle Fire tablet computer—and is a major provider of cloud

computing services. Jeff Bezos incorporated the company in July

1994 and the site went online as Amazon.com in 1995.

(www.amazon.com)

Some example of online books

Neelameghan.S. (1997) S. R. Ranganathan's Postulates and

Normative Principles: Applications in Specialized Databases

Design, Indexing and Retrieval. Sarada Ranganathan

Endowment for Library Science (Bangalore, India).

http://arizona.openrepository.com/arizona/bitstream/10150/1

05602/8/postuft.pdf

Robin, P.Stephen.(2008) Self-assessment Library 3.4:

Insights Into Your Skills, Interests and Abilities.(new

jersey, America)

https://books.google.co.in/books?id=z6tU3o8Po1IC&printsec

18

1.4.6. Library and Information Science: Groups / Mailing

Listsa. digilib_India (Digital Libraries: India) Its aim is to

create awareness about issues relating to Digital

Libraries, Library Automation and Management viz. creation,

maintenance, standards, architectures, software, how to

start etc. Specifically concentrating on issues related to

Indian Library/Institution and community.

(https://groups.yahoo.com/group/digilib_india)

b. lisforum_orissa (The LIS Forum): It is a common platform

for LIS professionals, teachers, researchers, students to

share ideas, knowledge, messages, information etc with each

other for the development of LIS profession and

professionals. It helps to address issues on Library and

Information Science, to solve day today problem of

libraries, resource sharing among libraries and generation

of new ideas on LIS.

(https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/lisforum_orissa/info)

c. nmlis (New Millennium LIS Professionals) it exchanges

views, ideas and opinions relating to the Library and

Information fields. It basically helps in developing inter-

relationship. This group is also interested in sharing the

knowledge and experience among the information

professionals between developing and developed countries.

19

The interaction may also lead to initiation of

collaborative projects. (nmlis@yahoogroups.com)

d. IATLIS (Indian Association of Teachers in Library and

Information Science) It tries to create better

communication among the teachers as well as with other

professionals in the field. (iatlis@yahoogroups.com)

e. LIS Forum: LIS-Forum is an e-mail based discussion forum

for Library and Information professionals in India. It is

operated and maintained by NCSI, Indian Institute of

Science, Bangalore. It was established in the year 1995

with support from NISSAT, DSIR, and Govt. of India.

(www.lislinks.com/forum)

1.5. Importance of E- resource in library and information

science: It provides remote access and ease of access through a

single point.

Provide ability to link to other sources and include

multimedia elements.

Need less space and cannot be misplaced or stolen.

E resource provides access of downloading and printing

and retrieval of Individual article.

Provide direct access from multiple databases and from

indexing and abstracting resource

20

Provide user faster, more convenient and anytime access

from home, campus and library.

By e resources subject can be searched across a range of

titles.

1.6. Issue relating E- resources in LIS IPR issue an important issue that the present day

library professionals are facing in providing electronic

information to their users.

Shrinking budget most of the libraries are depended on

their parent institution for funding which may not

enough to cover all electronic information.

Licensing: it arise the same problem that arise for

general electronic content.

Lack of skilled manpower most of the libraries and

information centre face the problem of lacking of

skilled, professional and trained staff.

Lack of infrastructure ICT infrastructure is still poor

in most of the libraries. E resources are requiring

large bandwidth which is very expensive for libraries.

1.7. ConclusionElectronic resources are valuable resources not only for

library and information science community but the entire

academic and research community of all the discipline. E

resources are offers enormous benefits to the end users and also

offer easy access to use, more rapid updating and saving and

21

storage. The libraries are now providing rich collection of e

books, e-journals, e-databases to fulfill the research and

teaching need of community. The librarian should acquire basic

knowledge of electronic resources so that he /she provide right

information to right user at right time. In fact, the electronic

resources enlisted above have been a great treasure and valuable

to the library science community and these can be book marked

using web browser for the benefit of the students and research

scholars.

References: Background information on Amazon. Retrieved on November 10,

2014, from www.amazon.com

Digital Repository Software and Services. (2011). Retrieved onNovember 23, 2014, from http://www.eprints.org

Proquest. (2012). Library information science abstract.Retrieved November 14, 2014, fromwww.ebscohost.com/academic/library-information-science-source

Barman, Badan. (2011) Brief information about Netugc. Retrievedon November 19, 2014, from www.Netugc.org

Brief information about Open source. (1998, January 1).Retrieved on November 23, 2014, fromhttp://www.opensource.org/docs

Shafi,S.M. Trends in information management. Retrieved Novemberon 14, 2014, fromhttp://www.inflibnet.ac.in/ojs/index.php/TRIM

EPrints 3. About the Repository. Retrieved on November 14, 2014,from http://eprints.uni-mysore.ac.in/4778/

22

Brief information about Wikipedia. Retrieved on October 20,2014, from www.wikipedia.in

DESIDOC Journal of Library & Information Technology. Retrievedon November 10, 2014, from drdo.gov.in/ojs/index.php/djlit

About Ebscohost. Retrieved on November 14, 2014, fromhttp://www.ebscohost.com

academic/library- information-science-and-technology-abstracts

Electronic Books. (2012, January 1). Retrieved on November 10,2014, from www.googlebook.com

About IFLA. Retrieved on December 2, 2014, fromwww.ifla.org/about

General information about Lislink. Retrieved November 16, 2014,from www.lislinks.com/forum

Open access journals. (2003, January 1). Retrieved on November23, 2014, from http://www.doaj.org

Indian journals. (2005, May 30). Retrieved on November 9, 2014,from www.indianjournals.com

Information about Egyankosh. Retrieved on November 10, 2014,from www.egyankosh.ac.in

Information about journals (1995, January 1). Retrieved onNovember 23, 2, from www.nesi.iisc.ernet.in

Annals of Library and Information Studies .Retrieved onSeptember 18, 2014, fromhttp://www.niscair.res.in/sciencecommunication/researchjournals/rejour/annals/annals0.asp

Noh, Y. (2012, March). A study measuring the performance ofelectronic resources in academic libraries. EmeraldGroup: Aslib Proceedings Vol. 64, No. 2, pp. 134-153.

Open source journals. Retrieved on November 23, 2014, fromwww.jgateplus.com

23

Proceeding of national conference on trends in developing &managing e resources in libraries (2012) vol.1

Sumeer Gul, R. (2011, December 2). Open Access Journals inLibrary and Information Science. Retrieved September 5,2014, from http://www.inflibnet.ac.in/

Indian Association of Teachers of Library and InformationScience (IATLIS). Retrieved on November 10, 2014, fromiatlis@yahoogroups.com