An online-library is a special library with a focused collection of digital objects that can include text, visual material, audio material, video material, stored as electronic media formats (as opposed to print, microform, or other media), along with means for organizing, storing, and retrieving the files and media contained in the library collection. Digital libraries can vary immensely in size and scope, and can be maintained by individuals, organizations, or affiliated with established physical library buildings or institutions, or with academic institutions. The digital content may be stored locally, or accessed remotely via computer networks. An electronic library is a type of information retrieval system. Early projects centered on the creation of an electronic card catalogue known as Online Public Access Catalog (OPAC). By the 1980s, the success of these endeavors resulted in OPAC replacing the traditional card catalog in many academic, public and special libraries. This permitted libraries to undertake additional rewarding co-operative efforts to support resource sharing and expand access to library materials beyond an individual library.
An early example of a digital library is the Education Resources Information Center (ERIC) which was “born digital” in 1966.Many academic libraries are actively involved in building institutional repositories of the institution’s books, papers, thesis, and other works which can be digitized or were ‘born digital’. Many of these repositories are made available to the general public with few restrictions, in accordance with the goals of open access, in contrast to the publication of research in commercial journals, where the publishers often limit access rights.
Online – Library Management System is an application which refers to library systems which are generally small or medium in size. It is used by librarian to manage the library using a computerized system where he/she can record various transactions like issue of books, return of books, addition of new books, addition of new students etc.
Books and student maintenance modules are also included in this system which would keep track of the students using the library and also a detailed description about the books a library contains. With this computerized system there will be no loss of book record or member record which generally happens when a non-computerized system is used. In addition, report module is also included in Library Management System. If user’s position is admin, the user is able to generate different kinds of reports like lists of students registered, list of books, issue and return reports. All these modules are able to help librarian to manage the library with more convenience and in a more efficient way as compared to library systems which are not computerized.
The library information is to an extent manually recorded and reveals a number of problems.
1.3 Aim and Objectives of the Study
The project aim and objectives that will be achieved after completion of this project are discussed in this subchapter. The aim and objectives are as follows:
(A)Aim
(B) Objective:
1.4 Significance of the Study
This platform showcases information to the society without any stress:
1.4.1 Improve Access
Connect patrons with the information they seek with these promising electronic tools! Improved Access to Information: Portals, Content Selection, and Digital Information focuses on how you can improve access to information using electronic reference resources.
The product of the National Open University of Nigeria Libraries, Improved Access to Information offers library administrators new approaches for overcoming the proliferation of electronic information and making it readily available to students. This project will help you provide essential understanding to student and secure their patron base.
1.4.2 Wider Access
In the case of wider access, this expresses the evolution of transporting information through an online video tutorial, voice recommendation, and online library. Most times student do value this platform, because of its more accessibility to their various courses.
On like National Open University of Nigeria previous portal has this easy navigation for an online test known as (I-Learn). This platform known as (I-Learn) has been of good help to the students, in order to read their books and download some tutor mark assessment materials.
1.4.3 Improve Information Sharing
Sharing of information through online-library has been a multi-purpose and strategy for student to have a standard impact to their studies. In fact this methodology has been the best for students, both in the aspect of distance-learning and nearby centres. This pattern has innovated a style that grants the students a free access to share and save their leisure time in reading their books online.
This online library has also helped the society to profound and understand the importance of reading mostly online.
1.5 Scope of the Study
The scope of this study covers the online-library as a whole, and its flexibility for students and society to read online.
1.6 Limitation of the Study
This project was constrained by the following factors:
(a) Financial Constraints
Bearing in mind the economic situation of the nation, it was found difficult in making both ends meet, because of the exorbitant nature of things nowadays in travelling for the collection of data needed for the project.
(b) Time Constraints
Looking at the interval between the resumption and vacation of the final semester for the project to be completed, the time given seemed to be short for the collection of required information for better work to be done.
(c) Non-Availability of Material
During this project, it was noticed that the required materials needed for the project are not documented. Those that were documented lacked storage facilities where they can be reached.
1.7 Definition of Technical terms