Difference between Digital Library and Virtual Library

[rajkumar]

Difference between Digital Library and Virtual Library

[Akash Singh]

Dear Rajkumar,

Virtual library does not have physical existence.  It does not contain books, CD, DVD or other physical media.  Only computers with internet is used to access resources through remote access of online databases. Whereas digital library contains CDs DVDs, Cassettes, Microfilm, megnatic tape & drum, slides, fitche and other electronic storage media to handle electronic resources. 

However virtual library is a part of digital library as digital library also contains online databases facilitating remote access of electronic information.

[Neetu Priya]

Virtual means- not actual/ imaginary..   .virtual library is based on virtual reality.  virtual reality use multimedia expriences. A 3-D environment is created on computer with the help of various devices and softwares. they are used to manipulate human senses specialy sight and hearing. it create feeling of a computer generated world and make library reading more intresting (with 3-D effect and images of books, sounds etc).and we can feel as if we are actually sitting in the library and reading books. it is just to make library study more enjoyable and lively.

eg. http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/

digital library as explained above is having a digital collection of documents and no such 3-D and sound effects can b seen here in dig library.

[Navnit Patel]

Today ICTB. Digital libraries don't have to remain without walls. They can operate under the same directives and perform the same functions, and become integrated in traditional library settings. Nevertheless, as Cleveland states, it will be much more challenging than the introduction of videotapes ever was because of the fluidity of digitized information and its lack of a medium (Cleveland 1996,2). Adding digital information requires online databases and a great number of additional computers, but it doesn't stop there. Considerations have to be made for the copyright dilemmas that will certainly come up. Libraries are beginning to collect information in digital form that they may never be able to offer to library users if copyright barriers are not resolved (Cleveland 1996,2). Coupled with these restrictions are those involving cost of services (Cleveland 1996,3). Libraries try to offer most of their services free. Historically, they were built on Andrew Carnegie's vision of equitable library service for all sectors of society. Will digital information resources change this basic tenet? Some libraries have already applied user fees to their new databases