Summary: The online library provides access to all the information systems, in a flexible and reliable mode. In a world where the digital media dominates and becomes the leader in the information systems, even the old-fashioned traditional libraries with plenty of books are rapidly handling the migration of the libraries from different shelves and racks to the online databases. Although the online medium is still a new platform, due to which it may take some time to become a mainstream same as the traditional library, it still offers the distinct and unique advantages over a physical library.
It is to be understood that an online library provides access to all the information in a brick and mortar library in a more reliable mode. Obviously, reading books and magazines and other references in a traditional library can be often considered as the mercy of the publishers’ discretion with regards to the font style and size. Moreover, the reading of books may become difficult via the small print of fonts. Henceforth it may be time consuming process.
On the other side, reading books online via the online libraries is often beneficiary to the user as it is available in different formats, including PDFs, Word, and HTML, etc. It also allows the user to zoom in or out or change the size of the text and to adjust the brightness and contrast of the computer to make it comfortable for reading. Searching for one line of text in a traditional book can be really time-consuming and complex. Dealing with paper books, it’s very complicated to search for important information within the source.
Searching for one line or paragraph can require multiple page flips and turns without success. In contrast, the online libraries that offer the ability to search the text, different options are made available such as the user can utilize the find option or a built-in search option wherein the specific section of the text can be found in a very short span of time at any instant. In a real world library, which is typically called as a traditionally, there are only a limited number of books available which can be accessed only by a very few people. Free online libraries always have the relevant materials available irrespective of the time. It means that it can be accessed anytime from anywhere. In addition to this, it also offers access to the rare books and other sources for reference.
It is very rare to find a library that is open on all hours a day, but online libraries offer this unique advantage. A student can complete their research any day of the week, any hour of the day at any time. In addition, these libraries are available at the user’s fingertips, eliminating the need to drive or walk to the library.