Tuesday 5 June 2012

Multimedia collection, especially the non-textual knowledge resources in the library at the same time pose a variety of problems not only in the provision of their services to users, but with their sole dependency on a host of gadgets also such as media players, viewers, etc. The current information environment unequivocally prompts libraries to leverage on the latest digital technologies towards building multimedia digital libraries and in setting up dynamic electronic information systems. These newer breeds of information services offer lots of power and visibility to libraries and the user community without compromising on their quality and performance. Yet, they also pose problems in the course of their preparations while submitting them in a digital library. Swift developments in media-related technologies, rapid obsolescence and their redundancy, need for time to-time media and format migrations, resource intensive maintenance, etc. adds to the complexity and complications of these collections. Leading edge technical skills and technology backing for these facilities demand sophisticated human resource requirements and high end IT infrastructure.