E LIBRARY Meaning and
Definition
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An e-library refers to an online collection of electronic resources and materials, such as books, articles, journals, and multimedia content, which are accessible through digital devices. It serves as a virtual repository of information and knowledge from various domains, allowing users to remotely access and utilize these resources without the need for physical presence in a traditional library.
E-libraries are typically hosted on comprehensive online platforms or websites, ensuring easy navigation and searchability of the digital content. They often require user authentication and registration to grant access to the available resources, though some e-libraries may offer certain materials freely accessible to the public.
The content within an e-library can consist of a wide range of educational, research, and entertainment resources, covering diverse subjects and disciplines. This includes textbooks, reference books, scientific articles, scholarly papers, magazines, newspapers, audio files, and videos.
The advantages of e-libraries are numerous, as they provide users with 24/7 access to an extensive collection of resources, eliminating the constraints of physical library hours or geographical limitations. E-libraries also offer features like bookmarking, highlighting, and note-taking, enhancing user interactivity and convenience. Additionally, digital materials within e-libraries can be easily updated or modified, ensuring access to the most recent information. However, e-libraries may necessitate access to the internet to browse and acquire the desired materials, making a stable online connection a prerequisite for their usage.
Etymology of E LIBRARY
The word "e-library" is a combination of two terms: "e" and "library".
The prefix "e-" stands for "electronic" or "online", indicating that it refers to a digital or electronic form of something. It is derived from the word "electronic", which comes from the Greek word "ēlektron", meaning "amber" or "amber-colored". The connection to amber arose from the ancient Greeks discovering that when amber was rubbed with cloth, it attracted lightweight objects.
The term "library" originally comes from the Latin word "librarium", which referred to a place where books were kept. It later evolved from "librarium" to "librarie" in Old French, and eventually "library" in English.
