INTERNSHIP ALTERNATIVE

Literature based Survey Report

on the topic

‘E-RESOURCES’
A Report submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the award of
Degree of
BACHELOR OF LIBRARY AND INFORMATION SCIENCE (BLIS)
By
TANU
Enrolment No.: 2454949920

Course Code: BLII-230

Mobile No.: 8750434155
Email-ID: Tanu297003@gmail.com
Regional Centre: 39: Noida
Study Centre: 0771P Shaheed Raj Guru College of Applied Sciences for Women,
Vasundhara Enclave, Delhi-110096

Faculty of Library and Information Science

School of Social Sciences (SOSS)
Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU)
Maidan Garhi, New Delhi – 110068

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 DECLARATION

I hereby declare that the Literature-Based Survey Report titled "E-Resources" is an original and
bona fide work that I have submitted to Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) in
partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Bachelor of Library and Information Science (BLIS)
degree. This project report is my own authentic work and has not been copied, replicated, or
plagiarized from any other paper, journal, document, or book. It has not been submitted
previously to any educational institution for the award of any certificate, diploma, degree, or
recognition.

This report represents my independent work, and I take full responsibility for any queries related
to its authenticity.

Name: TANU
Enrolment No: 2454949920

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 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I would like to extend my sincere and heartfelt thanks towards all those who have
helped me in making this project. Without their active guidance, help, cooperation and
encouragement, I would not have been able to present the project on time.

I extend my sincere gratitude to Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) for
providing such an interesting project to work on.

I also acknowledge with a deep sense of reverence, my gratitude towards my parents,

friends, classmates and faculty members of the study centre for their valuable
suggestions given to me in completing the project.

Lastly, I like to thank all my supporters who have motivated me to fulfil their project
before timeline.

TANU

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 ABSTRACT
E-resources cover various aspects and have become more accessible, faster,
and user-friendly thanks to advancements in digital technology. The
integration of modern technology has encouraged libraries to expand and
enhance their collections. Traditional print resources have also been
significantly improved. Electronic information sources play a crucial role in
supporting the academic community. This paper provides an overview of these
resources, highlighting their numerous benefits, a few drawbacks, and listing
several relevant websites. The knowledge accumulated over time through
these digital means should be utilized for further research, improvement, and
the overall progress of society. E-resources are easily available even in remote
regions, help resolve storage issues, and manage the overwhelming flow of
information

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 EVALUATION CRITERIA
S.no Evaluation component Max marks Marks obtained

1 Introduction 05

2 Aims and Objective 10

3 Scope and Limitations 10

4 Methodology 10

5 Themes and Subthemes 10

6 Presentation (Use of own words) 10

7 Conclusion and suggestions 10

8 Referencing 05

9 Viva 30

TOTAL 100
 TABLE OF CONTENTS
1) Introduction ......................................................................................................................7-8
2) Aims and Objectives ............................................................................................................ 9
3) Scope of Limitations
a) What are E-resources? .................................................................................................10
b) Scope ....................................................................................................................... 10-11
c) Limitations.................................................................................................................... 11
4) Themes and Subthemes
a) Managing E-Resources ........................................................................................... 12-13
b) Categories of E-Resources
i) E-journals .........................................................................................................14-16
ii) E-books ............................................................................................................ 16-20
iii) Electronic Databases ........................................................................................ 20-24
iv) E-reports........................................................................................................... 24-25
v) E-theses and Dissertations ............................................................................... 25-27
vi) Institutional Repositories ...................................................................................... 28
5) Discussion and Criticism .................................................................................................... 29
6) Conclusion .......................................................................................................................... 30
7) References and Bibliography ............................................................................................ 31

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INTRODUCTION
Libraries of all types and sizes are increasingly adopting digital collections. However, most
libraries are expected to maintain a mix of both print and digital resources for many years.
When it comes to acquiring new journals, magazines, and abstracting or indexing services,
there is a strong preference for digital formats. E-books are gradually making their way into
library collections, though their adoption is still limited due to various factors.

Electronic resources (E-resources) refer to materials available in digital or electronic formats

that can be accessed through the internet within a digital library environment. These
resources may include text documents, image databases, or multimedia content such as
numerical and graphical data. E-resources are commercially available for use by libraries
and information centers, providing diverse and rich sources of information

Electronic resources can be delivered through

various mediums such as CD-ROMs, DVDs, or
accessed online via the Internet. Providing access
to these e-resources is an essential service
offered by libraries to assist users in locating
materials like e-databases, e-journals, e-
magazines, e-books, e-audio files, e-images, data
archives, digital library systems, virtual
exhibitions, e-subject guides, e-newsletters,
conference proceedings, and web search tools
across diverse subjects. While many of these
electronic resources are freely accessible online,
some are commercial and require subscriptions
or purchases. Information and Communication
Technology (ICT) is a major buzzword in today's
world, having transformed society into an
information-driven culture, becoming an integral
part of daily life.

The government has taken several initiatives to provide facilities in academic institutions for the benefit of
research scholars. This comes in response to the rising costs of information resources, particularly journals, which
have become increasingly expensive due to their availability in electronic formats. At the same time, many
libraries are facing financial constraints, leading to the emergence of library cooperation and resource-sharing
models. As a result, various local, regional, national, and international knowledge-sharing networks have been
developed. Through these initiatives, institutions of higher education are now effectively sharing resources via
digital networks. Notable examples include programs like INDEST, DELNET, UGC-INFONET, and N-LIST.

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The Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) and the University Grants Commission (UGC), through the
INFLIBNET (Information and Library Network) Centre in India, have launched initiatives to provide 24x7 access to
over 6,000 e-journals, more than 3,135,000 e-books, and a variety of databases. These resources are available to
faculty members and researchers involved in higher education and academic research, significantly supporting
their scholarly activities.

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AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

➢ To comprehend the definition and importance of e- resources;

➢ To categorize different types of e-resources;

➢ To define e- books and e- journals;

➢ To understand the concept of electronic databases; and

➢ To distinguish between bibliographic and full text databases

➢ Make knowledge available anytime, anywhere via the internet.

➢ Reduce the need for physical materials and libraries by providing digital alternatives..

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SCOPE AND LIMITATIONS

❖ What are E-Resources?
An electronic resource (e-resource) is any material that requires the use of a computer or digital device to access
and utilize its content. This includes both online resources and offline formats like CD-ROMs. The term broadly
refers to all digital products made available by a library through a computer network.

E-resources encompass a wide range of online information sources, such as bibliographic databases, electronic
reference books, full-text search engines, and digital data collections. These include both "born digital" content—
created specifically for online use, such as e-journals and databases—and traditional print materials that have
been scanned and digitized.

Unlike physical resources, libraries do not own electronic materials; rather, they are granted access by content
providers, either for free or through subscription-based models. Common examples of e-resources include
magazines, Encyclopedia, newspapers, journals, and their associated articles. These can be accessed via various
internet-enabled devices such as computers, tablets, and smartphones.

❖ Scope of E-Resources:
• Remote Accessibility

E-resources can be accessed via the internet, eliminating the need for users to physically visit the library. This is
particularly beneficial for those living in remote or distant areas.

• Simultaneous Access

Multiple users can access the same article or journal at the same time without any restrictions.

• Anytime, Anywhere Use

Users can retrieve resources at their convenience, regardless of time or location.

• Efficient Searching

A single search interface can be used to browse through a vast number of resources quickly and effectively.

• Usage Statistics

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E-resources provide detailed usage data, helping library staff analyze the popularity and effectiveness of the
resources.

• Early Availability

Articles and journal issues often appear online before their print versions are published.

• Hyperlinks and Cross-Referencing

Hypertext formats and embedded links allow users to easily navigate to related articles and content.

• Multimedia Integration

Unlike print formats, electronic resources can include audio, video, and animations, enhancing user
engagement.

• Space Saving

Subscribing to electronic resources helps libraries conserve physical space otherwise required for storing
printed materials.

❖ Limitations of E-Resources
• Internet Dependency

Users must have a stable internet connection to access electronic content.

• Subscription Challenges:

If a library discontinues a subscription to an e-journal or e-book, it may lose access to previous issues or titles. In
contrast, physical copies remain in the library’s collection permanently.

• Screen Fatigue: Prolonged reading on digital screens can be tiring and may cause eye strain or other
health concerns.

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 THEMES AND SUBTHEMES
Managing E-Resources:

Managing E-Resources
Effective management of electronic resources involves several critical steps to ensure accessibility,
usability, and sustainability within a library environment. The key components include:

1. Selection
E-resources can be identified and selected through various methods:

Serendipitous discovery while browsing the internet

Recommendations from faculty members

Reviewing collections of electronic journals available in other libraries

Publisher advertisements and promotional materials

2. Acquisition
Unlike print resources, which libraries own, electronic resources are typically accessed through
licensed agreements. Key steps in the acquisition process include:

Determining the cost of the resource

Negotiating terms with vendors

Signing license agreements

Allocating budget and funds

Placing orders

Verifying accessibility of the title

Resolving access issues with the vendor, if needed

Processing invoices for payment

3. Staffing
Decisions must be made regarding who will handle the acquisition and management of e-resources:

Ensuring staff are skilled in electronic formats, license negotiation, and troubleshooting

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4. Licensing
Important elements include:

Payment terms

User access definitions

Usage restrictions

Archival rights Since licenses are often written in favor of the provider, careful negotiation is essential
to protect the library's interests.

5. Budgeting
Libraries generally maintain a separate budget specifically for electronic resources to effectively
manage expenditures and track digital acquisitions.

6. Cataloguing
E-resources can be:

Catalogued and made available through the library’s OPAC (Online Public Access Catalogue)

Listed on the library website with direct access links Some libraries may choose not to catalogue them
formally but ensure discoverability through alternative platforms.

7. Maintenance
Ongoing maintenance ensures continued access to e-resources:

Staff manage access via IP authentication or user credentials (username/password)

When access issues arise, staff troubleshoot internally or contact publishers for resolution

Monitoring subscriptions to ensure uninterrupted service

8. Staff Training and User Education

Library staff must be trained in navigating and managing electronic resources

User education programs are essential to teach patrons how to efficiently search, browse, and retrieve
information from e-resources, thereby promoting wider usage.

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 Categories of E-Resources:
Electronic resources come in various formats, each serving a specific informational or research purpose. The main
types include:
• E-journals
• E-Books
• Electronic databases
• E-reports
• E-Theses and dissertations
• Institutional repositories

E-Journals:
An e-journal is a type of periodical publication that is made available in electronic format,
typically over the Internet. Like traditional journals, e-journals are issued at regular intervals—
such as weekly, monthly, quarterly, or annually—and contain scholarly or professional content.

The term electronic journal can refer to several forms:

• Digital versions of print journals, such as Cell, New Scientist, or Scientific American, which
are available both in print and online.
• Electronic-only journals, which are published exclusively online and have no print
counterpart. Examples include Ariadne and D-Lib Magazine.
• Print-to-digital transitions, where a previously print-based journal ceases physical
publication and continues as an e-only journal.
• Access models vary—some e-journals are freely accessible, while others require payment
through subscriptions, licensing agreements, or pay-per-use models.

Example of an e-journal:

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❖ Advantages of E-journals:
Anytime, Anywhere Access:

E-journals can be accessed from any location and at any time, offering flexibility to users.

Non-Sequential Search:

Users can search through e-journals using keywords, allowing for easy and quick retrieval of
relevant information, without the need to follow a specific order.

Additional Content:

E-journals often provide supplementary content, such as multimedia elements or interactive

features, which are not available in print versions.

Eliminates Storage and Binding Issues:

Unlike print journals, e-journals do not require physical storage space or binding, simplifying
management and reducing costs.

Access to Back Issues:

E-journals make it easy to access past issues alongside the latest editions, providing a complete
archive for users.

❖ Disadvantages of E-journals:
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Internet Dependency:
To access electronic resources, readers must have a stable internet connection.

Subscription Issues:
If a library cancels its subscription to an e-journal, it may lose access to previous issues of that
journal. In contrast, with print journals, the library retains access to back issues once they are
acquired. Similarly, if a library discontinues an e-book subscription, it will no longer have access to
that e-book, but physical copies remain in the library’s possession permanently.

Screen Fatigue:
Reading electronic resources on screens for extended periods can be tiring and potentially
harmful to eye health.

E-Books:
An e-book (electronic book) is a digital publication that includes both text and images, created for reading on
digital devices such as computers, e-readers, or tablets.
E-books come in various formats and offer flexible access. Some can be downloaded in full for offline reading,
while others require an active internet connection to read online.

❖ Advantages of E-books:
Universal Access:

E-books can be accessed anytime and from anywhere with an internet connection or compatible device, offering
convenience and flexibility to readers.

User-Friendly Features:

Readers can highlight text, make notes, save sections, and print selected pages for reference or offline use,
enhancing the reading and study experience.

Portability
E-books allow you to carry an entire library on a single device, such as a smartphone, tablet, or e-reader. This
makes reading convenient anytime, anywhere.

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Cost-Effective
Many e-books are cheaper than printed books. Some are even available for free, especially educational or public
domain texts.

Eco-Friendly
E-books save paper, reducing the need for printing and cutting down on deforestation. It's a more sustainable
option.

Instant Access
You can buy and download e-books instantly, avoiding the wait for shipping or trips to a bookstore.

Interactive Features
E-books often come with helpful features like hyperlinks, audio, video, note-taking, adjustable font sizes, and
built-in dictionaries.

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Some of the examples of suppliers of e- books are given as under:

• Myilibrary (http://www.myilibrary.com/)
• E-Library (http://www.ebrary.com/corp/index.jsp)
• EBSCO (http://www.ebscohost.com/ebooks/home)
• Springer (http://www.springer.com/librarians/e-content/ebooks?SGWID=0-40791-0-0-
0)
Springer offers access to more than 88,000 e- books through Springer Link. Libraries can
either purchase the entire annual collection or may purchase a number of subject
collection as per their requirements. For getting individual titles, libraries have to
contact the aggregators or online stores like amazon.com or springer shop at
springer.com.

• Oxford University Press offers access to over 8,000 academic monographs across twenty subject
areas, including humanities, social sciences, medicine, law, and more. This comprehensive digital
platform is known as Oxford Scholarship Online. The collection is regularly updated three times a
year, ensuring users have access to the latest scholarly research and publications.

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• Safari Technical Books: Safari provides 8000 e-books from over 100 publishers,
specializing in computer application user and training manuals.

Freely Available E-Book Resources

There are numerous websites offering free access to e-books across various subjects. Some notable sources
include:

• CARRIE: Full Text Electronic Library

http://vlib.iue.it/carrie/
• Free Books
http://www.e-book.com.au/freebooks.htm
• Internet Classics Archive
http://classics.mit.edu/
• Internet Public Library (IPL)
http://www.ipl.org/
• Online Books Page
http://digital.library.upenn.edu/books/
• Project Gutenberg
http://www.gutenberg.org/wiki/Main_Page
• UC Press E-Books Collection
http://publishing.cdlib.org/ucpressebooks/

Future of E-Books in Academia

While e-books are unlikely to completely replace printed books in the near future, they are increasingly being
embraced as complementary tools, especially by researchers, faculty, and students

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• Users appreciate the convenience and accessibility of e-books.
• It is anticipated that within the next five years, the adoption of e-books will grow rapidly, particularly for
academic and research-related purposes.
• E-books are especially well-suited for targeted research, where users seek specific information, rather than
reading the entire text.
• Unlike traditional print reading, e-books are used more as reference tools, aiding users in finding precise
answers to their research queries.

More Interactive & Multimedia-Enhanced Content

• E-books will go beyond text, integrating:

o Videos, animations, audio narration
o Quizzes and interactive diagrams (great for education)
o Augmented Reality (AR) for immersive experiences

AI-Powered Customization

• Smart recommendations and personalized reading experiences.

• Adaptive learning tools in academic e-books.
• Voice assistants reading out e-books with emotion and clarity.

Increased Accessibility

• More languages, text-to-speech, and screen-reader-friendly formats.

• Making literature and learning materials inclusive for all users.

Electronic Databases:

A database is a systematically organized collection of information that may include text, numbers, or images.
When such a database is accessible via the World Wide Web (WWW), it is referred to as an online database. Prior
to the widespread adoption of the Internet, many databases were distributed on CD-ROMs. A journal database is
a specific type that stores journal articles as individual records, allowing users to search them using keywords or
filters. Databases are generally divided into two categories:

• Bibliographic databases, which offer citations and abstracts without the full article text.
• Full-text databases, which provide complete articles for users to read online.

Bibliographic databases:

A bibliographic database is a structured digital collection that contains references to published literature, such as
books, journal articles, conference papers, and more. These databases can be either general-purpose or focused
on specific subject areas.

One notable example is:

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• J-Gate (http://jgate.informindia.co.in)
J-Gate is a bibliographic database offering access to journal literature indexed from over 29,513 e-journals
published by 9,483 publishers. It provides links to full-text articles on the publishers' websites and is
available on a subscription basis.

Key Features of Bibliographic Databases:

• They provide citations, which include key details like:

o Title
o Author(s)
o Date of Publication
o Source or Journal Name
• Most databases also include abstracts, which are brief summaries of the content of an article.

Importance of Bibliographic database:

Efficient Research Tool

• Helps researchers, students, and academics quickly find relevant literature by providing citations and
abstracts.

Saves Time

• Offers summarized information (title, author, abstract, keywords), so users can decide whether a full
article is worth reading.

Comprehensive Coverage

• Includes records from thousands of journals, conference papers, reports, and more—often from multiple
disciplines.

Supports Literature Reviews

• Essential for conducting thorough and organized literature reviews and background studies.

Reliable and Peer-Reviewed Sources

• Focuses on content from credible academic and scholarly publications, improving the quality of research.

Full text databases:

Full-text databases are online resources that grant users unrestricted access to the entire content of documents
such as journal articles, book chapters, conference proceedings, and other scholarly materials.

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Examples of Full-Text Databases:

JSTOR

• Provides full-text access to academic journal articles, books, and primary sources in multiple disciplines.

ScienceDirect

• Offers full-text scientific and technical research articles, especially in health, engineering, and social
sciences.

ProQuest

• Includes full-text dissertations, theses, newspapers, magazines, and scholarly journals.

EBSCOhost

• A platform with various databases like Academic Search Complete and Business Source Complete, offering
full-text articles.

SpringerLink

• Access to full-text journals, books, and research papers across science, technology, and medicine.

Taylor & Francis Online

• Contains full-text academic journals across humanities, social sciences, and STEM fields.

IEEE Xplore

• Provides access to full-text technical literature in engineering, computer science, and electronics.

Full-text databases play a crucial role for students, researchers, and academics, providing complete access to
scholarly materials needed for thorough research and study.

Full-text databases provide several advantages for researchers, students, and academics:

Time-Saving Access:
Users can instantly access the complete content of articles, removing the need to search for the full text
elsewhere.

Enhanced User Satisfaction:

Full-text availability meets user expectations by offering immediate access to entire documents after
finding a citation or abstract.

Access to the Latest Research:

These databases frequently offer up-to-date content, ensuring users can access the most recent
publications in their field.

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Extensive Archive Coverage:
Many full-text databases include entire journal archives, providing access to back issues and older
volumes, which is invaluable for conducting in-depth, historical research.

Wiley Online Library is a comprehensive, multidisciplinary full-text database that offers a wide range of online
academic resources. It covers subjects across various domains, including:

• Life Sciences
• Health Sciences
• Physical Sciences
• Social Sciences

Key Features:

Extensive Content Collection

• Offers access to a wide range of journals, books, reference works, and databases across multiple
disciplines such as science, technology, medicine, social sciences, and humanities.

Search and Discovery Tools

• Advanced search features that allow users to filter by subject, author, title, and more, making it easy to
find relevant articles and resources.

Full-Text Access

• Provides access to the full text of thousands of peer-reviewed journals and other scholarly publications.

Citation Tools

• Supports easy citation of articles and research through built-in citation export features, including formats
like APA, MLA, and Chicago style.

Personalized Alerts

• Users can set up email alerts for new content, specific keywords, or journal issues, keeping them up-to-
date with the latest publications.

Open Access Articles

• Includes both paid content and open-access articles, making high-quality research available to a broader
audience.

Mobile-Friendly

• Optimized for access on various devices, including tablets and smartphones, allowing users to read and
access content on the go.

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Comprehensive Journal Archives

• Access to historical issues and archives of journals, which is beneficial for in-depth and longitudinal
research.

This platform is a valuable resource for researchers, students, and faculty members seeking high-quality scholarly
content across diverse fields of study.

Other Examples:
• CABI full Text(http://www.cabi.org/)
• Academic search Complete (http://www.ebscohost.com/academic/
• academic-search-complete)
• JSTOR (http://www.jstor.org/)
• Project MUSE (http://muse.jhu.edu/)

E-Reports:
A report is a structured document designed to present information in various formats, such as narrative, graphic,
or tabular. Reports can be created on an ad-hoc, periodic, or regular basis, based on the specific requirements.
They typically focus on a particular event, topic, or time frame, and can be delivered either orally or in written
form

When such reports are made available in digital format, they are referred to as e-reports.

Examples:

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world Bank Reports
You can access a collection of reports related to global development, economics, and policy at World Bank e-Reports.

UNICEF Reports
UNICEF provides electronic reports on child welfare, education, and global health, available at UNICEF E-Reports.

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Reports

A variety of environmental reports and studies, including topics on pollution, climate change, and sustainability, are available
at EPA E-Reports.

Company Annual Reports (e.g., Apple, Microsoft)

Companies like Apple release their annual reports in digital format. You can view Apple’s at Apple Annual Report.

OECD Economic Reports

The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development provides reports on economic trends, policies, and
international statistics, which can be found at OECD e-Reports.

International Monetary Fund (IMF) Reports

The IMF offers electronic reports focused on global financial stability, economic outlook, and fiscal policies, available at IMF
e-Reports.

E-reports enhance transparency and accessibility, making vital information available to a broader audience
through the Internet.

E-theses and Dissertations:

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Thesis or dissertation is a formal academic document presented by a student to fulfill the requirements for a degree or
professional qualification. It highlights the student's research, methodology, and findings conducted throughout their
course of study.

Historically, theses and dissertations were submitted in printed form; however, with the progress of digital
technologies, they are now commonly submitted and archived in electronic formats, known as e-theses and
dissertations (ETDs).

Key Highlights:

• In India, candidates pursuing M.Phil. and Ph.D. are required to submit digital versions of their research to
universities and academic institutions.
• Libraries are actively working on digitizing their existing theses and dissertations, making them available
for online access.
• These digitized collections are part of digital repositories or institutional repositories.

ETDs (Electronic Theses and Dissertations) not only improve global accessibility for researchers but also help
preserve academic work in a more sustainable and searchable format.

Example:

MIT Theses (Massachusetts Institute of Technology)

• Example: "The Impact of Renewable Energy on Global Sustainability"

• MIT provides access to numerous e-theses in fields like engineering, technology, and environmental
science.

University of Texas E-Theses

• Example: "Advanced Neural Networks for Data Mining"

• The University of Texas offers a collection of e-theses across various disciplines, including science and
social sciences.

Oxford University Research Archive (ORA)

• Example: "Analysing Climate Change Patterns Using Satellite Data"

• Link: Oxford E-Theses Repository
• Oxford's repository provides access to a variety of e-theses, particularly in the humanities and social
sciences.

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University of London EThOS

• Example: "Understanding Modern Marketing Strategies in the Digital Age"

• The EThOS portal gives access to digitized theses from multiple UK universities.

DART-Europe E-Theses Portal

• Example: "Economic Policy and the Effects of Trade Tariffs"

• A portal that allows access to e-theses from universities across Europe.

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Institutional Repositories:

An institutional repository is an online database that provides access to the digital collections of theses,
dissertations, e-prints, and other academic works from a specific institution. It includes metadata such as the
student's name, university name, year of graduation, document title, abstract, and keywords, among others.
Institutional repositories, also referred to as digital repositories, are established by universities and research
institutions to collect, organize, and showcase the intellectual output of their faculty members, researchers, and
scientists. These repositories may also include additional resources like annual reports, past exam question
papers, and preprints of articles authored by the institution's staff.

Example: Digital Repository of IISc, Bangalore.

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DISCUSSION AND CRITICISM

With the rise of technology, traditional books and information are increasingly being digitized. E-books are now
preferred by younger generations who enjoy reading on devices like the Amazon Kindle. E-newspapers are
gradually replacing their print counterparts, while e-journals are widely used by researchers for accessing
academic content. E-magazines are also taking the place of paper magazines. In the future, it’s likely that we will
rely even more on e-resources than on traditional paper-based materials.

However, there are also some challenges to these E-resources like:

• Piracy:
E-resources can easily be pirated as PDFs and circulated to mass audience.
• Access to internet:
Access to internet is required to access e-resources on internet.Users will have to pay internet
data charges to ISPs
• Need of expensive devices:
Computer, Laptop, amazon kindle are required to access E-resources. In countries like India
where people can’t afford such expensive devicesthus E-resources can’t be accessed by them.
• High Subscription Fees:
Many companies charge high subscription costs forproviding such e-resources
• Health Issues:
Reading on screens for longer durations can trigger eye strain and headache.

• Dependency on Technology:
E-resources require a stable internet connection and compatible devices, which can be a limitation in
areas with poor connectivity or limited access to technology.
• Digital Fatigue:
Prolonged exposure to screens can lead to eye strain, fatigue, and reduced focus, making it harder for
users to engage in long reading sessions compared to traditional paper-based resources.
• Access and Affordability:
While many e-resources are accessible online, some may require expensive subscriptions or institutional
access, making them unaffordable for individuals without institutional affiliations.
• Data Privacy and Security:
There are concerns about the security of personal data when using e-resources, especially on platforms
that require account creation and collect user information.
• Shorter Lifespan:
Digital formats may become obsolete over time as technology evolves, making it difficult to access older
e-resources without the proper software or hardware.

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CONCLUSION

The Internet has led to a significant transformation in how libraries acquire, organize, and share
information resources.

• Libraries are increasingly acquiring e-resources in addition to their print collections to

meet the needs of users. Many users prefer e-resources due to the convenience they
offer.
• E-resources can be accessed from anywhere, allowing users to search through a large
number of resources simultaneously via a single search interface. The inclusion of
hyperlinks and hypertext in e-resources also helps direct users to related content.
• Examples of e-resources include e-journals, online databases, and e-books.
• Publishers, vendors, and aggregators supply these e-resources to libraries through
various business and access models.
• While libraries own printed resources, they do not own e-resources. Instead, libraries
only hold access rights to these resources.

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REFERENCES AND
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1. https://www.igi-global.com/dictionary/transcending-doors-in-library-
service-provision/49025
2. https://ncert.nic.in/eresources.php
3https://nios.ac.in/media/documents/SrSecLibrary/LCh-008.pdf
4. https://egyankosh.ac.

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