What Is an Electronic Reference Library?

The electronic library contains not a book printed on paper, but a library that stores and retrieves document information in electronic form to provide services to the public.

Electronic library

Electronic libraries have gradually emerged with the advent of electronic editions and the development of network communication technology. The electronic library has the characteristics of large storage capacity, fast speed, long storage time, low cost, and easy communication. CD-ROM-Mass storage, capable of storing information thousands of times higher than traditional books, much more than microfilm, and includes images, video, sound, etc.

Using electronic technology, in this kind of library, we can quickly find the information materials we need from the vast books. This kind of library keeps the amount of information for a much longer time, without the problems of mold and insects. Utilizing the Internet, such books can be used in units and homes thousands of miles and thousands of miles away, with extremely high efficiency.

National Library of China,

The electronic library is a prediction of the shape of the library in the future. Its emergence is conditional on the further development of computer technology, communication technology and high-density storage technology. The electronic library has the following characteristics:

The library mainly collects electronic publications. Such publications are generated using large-capacity electronic storage technology. Unlike printed publications, it does not use paper as a carrier, is small in size, low in price, and facilitates access to information.

The reader can only use these electronic publications through a computer or terminal, such as reading through a display screen

The construction of electronic reading rooms in government unit libraries has become an important part of government unit library construction. Many government units recognize the importance of electronic reading rooms.

Scope and function of electronic reading room:

1) "Reading room users" (not limited by the number of copies, do not occupy the number of copies, can query and borrow all electronic resources at any time)

Electronic reading room: It is convenient for employees who urgently need to use electronic resources to make unlimited inquiries and use all electronic resources;

Other offices that require frequent use of resources: It is convenient for related personnel to understand all electronic resources in the collection, and unlimited use of all electronic resources is available.

2) Ordinary users:

Office within the unit: it is convenient for employees to refer to relevant electronic resources when working;

At home of unit employees: It is convenient for employees to check electronic resources at home or read related resources of unit cultural construction, enrich the cultural life of employees, and strengthen the unity of the unit