Libraries, Information centers and archives

Libraries, Information centers and archives

The primary  function  of  library  is to organize, collect, preserve, and disseminate information to users. Several techniques and technologies are in use for handling the information more effectively. Multimedia technology is adopted by the libraries in various functions like multimedia kiosks, user orientation programs etc. Following is the brief account of multimedia technology applications in libraries.

1. Multimedia Kiosk

Kiosk is a free-standing furnished equipped multimedia computer that allow users to retrieve information via a touch screen. It is commonly used in airports and other public locations to provide directions and few mandatory information’s. In an library, Kiosk is usually located near the entrance of the library, used for displaying announcements, reading lists, comments and suggestions from library users and other information’s about operations and programs of the library.

2. Webcasting and Video Conferencing

The live telecast of real time programs through internet is known as Webcasting. Video conferencing is the process of conducting conference between more than two participants at different sites by using computer networks to transmit audio and video data.

3. User Orientation Program

The role of multimedia plays an vital role in training the librarians in schools, colleges and universities due to its interactivity. Hence, it is used in depth subject training to their faculties.

4. In-house Production of Multimedia Resources and E-publishing

Many libraries produce multimedia resources in-house, to serve the parent organization. Introduction of CD/DVD and their writers has solved few of the problems of libraries in storing or achieving the materials. Multimedia tools along with CD-writers is made possible to publish information from different sources in a most easy to use and acceptable form to library users.

5. Digital Multimedia Libraries

Information’s are available in digital formats that include digital books, scanned images, graphics and digitized audio-visual clips etc. Initially digital library projects were based only on textual data, later it was on all other media elements like images, audio and video recordings were also integrated under the collection of digital library.