Digital library development
Rapid improvements in information technology have certainly transformed the traditional role of libraries in relation to its daily operation and how it serves its users’ information needs. With increasing number of libraries shifting to automation meant, that up-to-date forms of information technologies and systems are required to store, preserve and disseminate information to users and also it is necessary for libraries to utilize specific collection management system to address users’ demands and need of information and the format of the information required.
Having mentioned that, this writing will consider the benefits of having a digital library, why it is necessary to cut back on print library materials and replacing these with electronic resources as eBooks, online dictionaries and encyclopedias and full text journals, also the issues and challenges in relation to digital information and whether this development could work for libraries in the Solomon Islands.
Firstly, digital library, electronic library and virtual library are terms that are frequently used to refer to the same thing. Thus in this writing the term digital library will be used when referring to the digitization and utilization of electronic resources in a library. According to Wikipedia.org digital library is defined as, “a library in which collections are in electronic media formats and accessible via computer networks (2014).
The Digital Library Federation on the other hand gives a fuller definition of digital libraries. It defines it as:
Organizations that provide resources, including specialized staff, to select structure, offer intellectual access to, interpret, distribute, preserve... and ensure the persistence over time of collections of digital works so that they are readily available for use by a defined community (Shiri 2003).
Thus put simply, digital library is a library whereby its collections have been digitized as well as providing links to other electronic resources and can be accessed remotely by computers and managed by professionals.
The advantages of digital libraries are such that addresses the information needs and demands of an information technology savvy individual of today. The most obvious perhaps is the fact that with digital libraries there are no physical boundaries and round the clock availability thus users can have access to information twenty-four hours a day. Similarly, the user of a digital library need not go to the library personally. This is because he can access the information anywhere so long as there is internet connectivity.
Secondly, digital library collections allow for multiple accesses. This means that many users can access a particular resource at any one time. Similarly, as well as providing links to other relevant resources, digital libraries also enable users to navigate the contents of eResources for instance, one can easily move to contents of the eBook, to chapters or search the catalogue etc.
Thirdly, digital libraries have the capability to store much information. This is because digital information requires little physical space to store them. This is in contrast to traditional libraries which are limited by storage space for library materials.
Finally, digital libraries can provide access and links to resources of other digital collections thus enables the efficient and effective sharing of resources at minimal cost. In the same manner, the cost of maintaining a digital library is much less as compared to a traditional library.
Even though the benefits of digital libraries as has been mentioned are very true, they also present Pacific libraries with unique challenges that needed to be addressed in order for them to be effective in terms of information accessibility and affordability. Firstly, in the Pacific, developments in digital technology in relation to libraries are slow as such there are few libraries with digital collections. For example, among the various academic institutions in the Solomon Islands, the University of the South Pacific (USP) is the only academic library that provides digital library services to its students.
In addition the newly established Solomon Island National University library has seen the need and the importance of utilizing digital resources for its users and as such utilized D-Space to enable the various schools of the university to build their digital collection and which other users of the university community can also access their collections.
Secondly, limited and unreliable access to electricity is a challenge in Solomon Islands. Daily outages meant that library patrons do not have daily or full access to electronic resources whenever they require online resources. Similarly, with exception to urban centers as Honiara, rural areas do not have access to electricity and necessary information networks to enable people to utilize services provided by digital libraries.
Thirdly, most libraries in the Solomon Islands have limited or no access to basic computing devices and equipment to improve library services as such making digital library a reality to be a thing of the future. Even if a library has computers and internet access, library staff more often, do not possess necessary computer skills and modern ICT skills therefore most are not capable to accommodate and facilitate digital libraries. This ultimately results in having only a few Pacific Island countries that recognize the importance of investing in the development of ICT in their countries to develop digital services particularly in libraries. This is particularly true for Solomon Islands.
The issue of the proportion of library users who actually own laptops and other electronic devices or have access to computers must also be considered if libraries decide to decrease the budget for print materials and increase eResources in the library. This is because the higher the proportion of users who own laptops or have access to computers, the more efficient digital library services will be in terms of accessibility by users.
Addressing these challenges is not an easy task as various stakeholders must work together to initiate change and improvements in the use of ICT in libraries. Thus, even though the lack of efficient access, the relative high cost and poor infrastructure all contribute to the challenges faced by libraries in Solomon Islands, utilizing digital resources and placing emphasis on its development will contribute to its further development in the country.
Secondly, promoting computer literacy amongst staff will enable them to be proactive in taking the lead in the development of digital resources. Similarly, promoting computer literacy amongst users and providing initiatives to encourage users to purchase laptops will help to encourage them to utilize electronic resources of the digital library.
Thirdly, Solomon Islands is among four other Pacific countries that have been classified as least develop in terms of ICT development as such the one laptop per child (OLPC) is a regional initiative which aims to provide students with inexpensive computers and improve computer literacy among students. This initiative is also a way to raise awareness among decision makers to the opportunities and advantages of supporting ICT in education.
In conclusion, improvements in Information technology is ever evolving, new ways of efficiently locating, accessing and disseminating information is available. The development of digital libraries and its associated services and functions cannot be overlooked by libraries especially. Even though there are challenges to be overcome, with positive attitude, a sure will to succeed and a determination to utilize resources will result in many more libraries digitizing their collection and utilizing electronic resources. As such for the betterment of providing improved service it can be recommended that libraries begin to develop digital collections and cut back on print library materials and replacing these with electronic resources as a way forward in improving library services for the users.

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