Abstract
Libraries have been an important part of educational and
information sector of any school. The success of any library
largely depends on proper management.
Several libraries have suffered failure as a result of inadequate
management and incapacitations in handling sensitive
information as regards members of the library.
This research therefore, aimed at developing a digital library
system, which will help direct and position library to meets its
ever increasing demands.
In the course of the development of this new system, the
current system was analytically and critically studied or
assessed and thus the identified strengths and weaknesses
were highlighted and a new system was designed for the
weakness.
The present system was analyzed using a standard
procedure recognized worldwide for such purpose and this is
called Structured System Analysis and Design
Methodology (SSADM). The visual basic 6.0
programming language was used to code the program
modules developed for
1.0 INTRODUCTION
Digital Library System (DLS) extends and integrate
approaches adopted in traditional libraries as well as in
distributed information systems, to yield high-end information
systems, services and institutions. Here we will explore some
of the parts or components of digital libraries and discuss
several of the developments in this emerging field.
Building a comprehensive digital library system will help
users to manage all phases of the information lifecycle. Of
particular importance is to simplify the authoring and creation
process so that wider population can participate by adding all
types of multimedia content directly into digital libraries.
Downstream access allows readers to benefit from this type of
computer-mediated communication, across time and space.
Ultimately, it is believed that knowledge will be shared and
then lead to yet another cycle of discovery, authoring and
utilization that is facilitated by digital libraries.
1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
Times are fast changing; we now live in a jet age which is
mainly characterized by rapid changes in technology, lifestyle
and value. This is indeed an age of information explosion.
One of the major inventions that have driven the world to
a fast pace of technological advancement is the computer. The
computer is primarily an electronic information processor that
is rapidly changing the way we acquire, organize, recall,
access, analyze, synthesize and apply information. The
effectiveness with which the information is generated and
communicated determines the rate of progress of a society and
the fulfillment of its people. Modern society is information
driven and information today is a universal need.
Moreover, computers have affected the ways which people
use information. It has changed the rate of work done, the
method for accomplishing the work alongside the relationship
among the people carrying and using the information.
However, computers and libraries are not left out in the
utilization of computer to carry out their day-to-day activities
especially as it concerns the amount of information generated.
Libraries have evolved over the years which gave rise to digital
libraries.
1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
There are numerous problems with the traditional
libraries. These in-adequacies are enumerated below.
1. The users of the traditional library need to go the library
physically which most times could lead to congestion of
the library?
2. Inability for the library resources to be accessed 24/7.
3. The library resources cannot be simultaneously used. It is
one at a time.
4. Traditional libraries are limited by storage space.
1.3 GENERAL OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY
The proposed system Digital Library System has it’s
general objectives which it is set out to achieve. They are as
follows:
a) To create variety of access services for searching,
browsing and discovering resources.
b) To organize and index digital objectives for different
purpose which includes cataloging, finding aids and
database.
c) Reduction of loan and acquisition through the use of
digital library.
d) Comprehensive storage of large repository of data that
can be accessed by authorized users.
e) Reduce the cost of maintaining a traditional library.
1.4 SPECIFIC OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY
The objectives of this proposed system has been
narrowed. This is geared towards ensuring that the objectives
are achieved. They are as follows:
? Removal of Physical Bounding: Ensure that the users
do not always go to the library physically, but can access
library resource once he/she is connected to the server.
? Round the Clock Availability: To enable users to be
able to gain access 24/7 to the information.
? Information Retrieval: To make it easy and convenient
for the user to use any search term (Title OR Authors
name) to search the entire collection, thus providing userfriendly
interfaces, and giving clickable access to it’s
resource.
? Preservation and Conservation: Provide access to
materials that would otherwise fall to degradation from
repeated use.
? Multiple Access: Ensure that the same resources can be
used simultaneously by a number of persons.
? Space: Able to provide storage for information digitally
by using little physical space to contain them.
1.5 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
In implementing the objectives of this study, the
advantages of a digital library over the traditional library are
enormous. Users will be able to access library resource
digitally without the inconveniences of users carrying books,
journals, magazines etc which could result in rapid wear and
tear of this library resource. Besides, it will afford users the
opportunity to access digital books simultaneously without
waiting for the book to be returned to the library.
The proposed system will provide security to help track
library resources through the development of a comprehensive
database that will be used to house the library resources. The
system will also eliminate some of the routine manual work
prevalent in a traditional library.
1.6 SCOPE OF THE STUDY
The findings of this research work for the proposed
system (Digital Library System) was carried out in the Nnamdi
Azikiwe University (NAU) in their digital library section. The
scope of this study will include the following:
1. Information indexing/cataloguing.
2. Classification of library resource.
3. Searching and retrieval (downloading).
4. Registration of books/uploading of digital resources
5. Registration of users.
6. Database management.
1.7 LIMITATION OF THE STUDY
This proposed system will not take into consideration
audio collections. It is web based not a stand alone delivery
system with its own user file and login ID and password. Also,
time constraint during the time for this project work is short.
Financial resources is a limitation encountered in the course of
this research work.
1.8 DEFINITION OF RELATED TERMS
? Digital: Relating to or using signals or information
represented by discrete values of a physical quantity.
? Library: A building or room containing collections of
books, periodicals and sometimes films and recorded
music for people to read, borrow or refer to.
? Digital Library: Is a type of information retrieval system
in which collections are stored in digital format.
? Information: This is a collection of facts or data.