DYNAMIC SHIFT FROM PRINT TO ELECTRONIC RESOURCES

Abstract

The study assesses and evaluates use of e-resources by 240 subjects, namely post graduate students, research scholars and faculty members at Ratan Tata Library (RTL) of the Delhi School of Economics (DSE) and Faculty of Management Studies Library (FMSL), University of Delhi (DU), Delhi. Highlights problems encountered by the users and suggest remedial measures for their improvement. Authors investigate the use of e-resources through a survey based on a structured questionnaire. Various statistical methods used for data analysis. Study confirmed that all the three classes of subjects are aware with various types of e-resources, e-databases, e-books and e-journals. Suggests improvement in the access facilities, with more computer terminals, high internet speed, including Wi-Fi connectivity and subscription to more e-resources by the Delhi University Library System (DULS). Also finds out whether there is any shift in approach in using electronic resources over print, including internet, websites of RTL and FMS, OPAC, etc. by the users of RTL and FMS. The paper provides some insights concerning the benefits of electronic resources over print resources, i.e., technical ability for a single copy to be made accessible by multiple users; their durability; their use in preservation; the fact they don't go out of print; their ability to support distance learning; and their potential to provide users with access 24/7