Digital Libraries and Repositories

Overview

Imagine paying a library fine because you lost a book, or you simply forgot the return date or time. What about those evenings when you just want to enjoy your favorite novel or finish up your research and your local library has already closed its gates? Your answer lies in digital libraries and repositories. A library in a user's palm of a hand, any user equipped with a smartphone, tablet, or computer with internet access can download and share books, journals, audio, video, and other material that brick-and-mortar libraries offer at their sites.

Digital libraries and repositories have no physical location, the content is stored in databases and accessed through a digital library's website 24/7. Digital libraries (see image above) offer a variety of materials to all kinds of patrons, while repositories are subject-specific. It can be made up of content from different people interested in one topic or subject. 

the above image is an illustration of a digital repository where medical specialists in behavioral and brain sciences find and share information. 

Benefits

The impact of digital libraries is so great, some books were never published as hard copies. Born digital media they call it, users can download, and have them printed should they require a physical copy. On the bright side, physical copies of books can be converted to e-books, and the software is easily downloadable on smartphones, PCs, and tablets. available for, Apple, Google, and Microsoft. The images are clear you can hardly see it is a scan. 

A huge advantage of compatibility, you can carry thousands of books on your mobile device or PC, without taking any weight!! Access to books, journals, and other digital publications has no time limit.

Drawbacks 

Power cuts in South Africa mean the disruption of the services of digital libraries. the bandwidth of the network is slow in some parts of the country. not everyone has the infrastructure to access the services of digital libraries. there is also limited access to some material that is offered. a fee or membership may be required to get access to some of the material. 

Drop your comments about your experiences with digital libraries and repositories. let us hear your thoughts!!!!!!