An online database consisting of digital objects equipped with tools for
searching, storing, retrieving and organizing the digital content that
is contained in the collection is called a digital library. The
collection can include still images, text, audio, video, digital
documents or any other form of digital media. Depending upon the
retrieval systems, files in a digital library can be stored locally or
remotely. Digital libraries can be broadly classified into institutional
repositories, national library collections and digital archives. Some of
its key features are absence of physical boundary, multiple access,
round the clock availability, easy accessibility, preservation and
conservation. This textbook covers in detail the foundations, practice
and prospects of digital libraries. While understanding the long-term
perspectives of the topics, it makes an effort in highlighting their
impact as a modern tool for the growth of the discipline. Those in
search of information to further their knowledge will be greatly
assisted by this book.